As the Packaging Directive emphasises increased recycling of plastics, the availability of “non-recyclable” plastics, key RDF components, will decrease over time. Investments in chemical recycling and stricter recyclability targets will divert materials, such as polyolefins, away from RDF production

The Renewable Energy Directive indirectly impacts RDF, as it can serve as a feedstock for the production of Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCF), which contribute to renewable energy targets

Materials within RDF, such as mixed plastics and textiles, are key components for producing liquid or gaseous RCF, like methanol

The directive incentivises waste-to-energy practices by linking RDF to renewable fuel infrastructure development

Regulates emissions from industrial plants using RDF as fuel, including cement kilns and waste-to-energy plants

Sets limits for pollutants like nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), sulphur trioxide (SO₃), carbon monoxide (CO), dioxins, furans and particulate matter

The Waste Framework Directive's hierarchy prioritises recycling over energy recovery methods, such as RDF. However, RDF provides a solution for managing non-recyclable waste, ensuring it is diverted from landfills and used for energy recovery, aligning with the “recovery” step in the hierarchy

RDF is classified under specific waste codes (19 12 10 and 19 12 12) in the Waste Shipment Regulation, allowing its trade across EU borders. This classification enables RDF producers and consumers to navigate legal frameworks for transboundary shipments

Prohibits the landfilling of high-calorific waste and encourages the use of RDF as a substitute fuel