What is the focus of BIR's International Environment Council plenary session in Malaga?

The session will examine how evolving environmental legislation and trade policies are affecting global recycling markets. Scheduled for October 26, 2026, at noon, it will bring together policy specialists and industry representatives to discuss regulatory developments across the EU, UN, OECD and United States.

How could the EU Waste Shipment Regulation affect scrap metal traders?

Restrictions under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, particularly those affecting exports to non-OECD countries, could change established trade routes and increase compliance obligations for exporters. Ferrous and non-ferrous recyclers may need to reassess destination markets, documentation procedures and shipment arrangements as requirements evolve.

Which critical materials and trade issues will industry representatives discuss?

Adam Shaffer of ReMA will address trade restrictions involving critical minerals, including black mass and tungsten. The discussion will help industry participants understand how trade measures could affect the movement of battery-recycling materials, specialty metals and related secondary raw materials across global supply chains.

BIR Malaga 2026 Spotlights Recycling Regulations and Supply Security

Metal Recycling News | 2026-10-19 06:44:13

The session is expected to provide recyclers with insights into emerging regulatory challenges.

By Paul Ploumis

BIR Malaga 2026 Spotlights Recycling Regulations and Supply Security

Summary

BIR to Address Regulatory Changes Affecting Global Recycling
The Bureau of International Recycling will convene policy experts and industry representatives at its International Environment Council plenary session in Malaga, Spain, on October 26, 2026. Discussions will focus on regulatory developments across the EU, UN, OECD and US and their implications for international recycled-material trade.
Waste Shipment Rules and E-Waste Regulations Take Centre Stage
The session will examine the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, including restrictions affecting waste exports to non-OECD countries, and amendments to the Basel Convention governing electronic waste shipments. These developments could influence the movement of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, particularly by changing exporters' compliance requirements and access to international markets.
Critical Minerals Trade Restrictions Pose New Challenges
Industry representatives will discuss trade restrictions involving critical minerals, including black mass and tungsten. The discussions are expected to help recyclers understand evolving policy requirements, assess potential supply-chain disruptions and prepare for changes affecting the international movement of recyclable materials.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) will bring together policy specialists and industry representatives at its World Recycling Convention and Exhibition in Malaga, Spain, to discuss how evolving environmental regulations and trade policies are reshaping global recycling markets.

The International Environment Council plenary session, scheduled for October 26 at noon, will examine regulatory developments across the European Union, United Nations, OECD and United States, with particular attention to their implications for recycled material flows and international trade.

The session, moderated by Olivier François, IEC Chairman, will outline recent developments concerning the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR). Alexandra Vartan, BIR Trade and Environment Policy Officer, will discuss international implications, including restrictions affecting waste exports to non-OECD countries and potential consequences for ferrous and non-ferrous recycled metal markets.

Alev Somer, BIR Trade and Environment Director, will address amendments to the Basel Convention governing electronic waste shipments and their impact on non-ferrous metal flows. Adam Shaffer, Vice President of International Trade and Global Affairs at ReMA, will examine trade restrictions involving critical minerals, including black mass and tungsten.

The session is expected to provide recyclers with insights into emerging regulatory challenges.

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POLL

Which regulatory issue is likely to have a direct impact on international scrap and recycled-material trade?

EU Waste Shipment Regulation

Basel Convention amendments on e-waste shipments

Critical minerals trade restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of BIR's International Environment Council plenary session in Malaga?
The session will examine how evolving environmental legislation and trade policies are affecting global recycling markets. Scheduled for October 26, 2026, at noon, it will bring together policy specialists and industry representatives to discuss regulatory developments across the EU, UN, OECD and United States.
How could the EU Waste Shipment Regulation affect scrap metal traders?
Restrictions under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, particularly those affecting exports to non-OECD countries, could change established trade routes and increase compliance obligations for exporters. Ferrous and non-ferrous recyclers may need to reassess destination markets, documentation procedures and shipment arrangements as requirements evolve.
Which critical materials and trade issues will industry representatives discuss?
Adam Shaffer of ReMA will address trade restrictions involving critical minerals, including black mass and tungsten. The discussion will help industry participants understand how trade measures could affect the movement of battery-recycling materials, specialty metals and related secondary raw materials across global supply chains.