What can we expect in waste management with regard to emissions trading systems from 2026 onwards?

 

 

Since 2024, waste incineration plants have been subject to the national fuel emissions trading scheme (nEHS) with reporting and certification requirements, and from 2025 onwards they will also be subject to extended reporting requirements under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS I). ‚Municipal waste incineration plants‘ could be fully transferred to the EU ETS I from 2030 onwards; until then, they will continue to be subject to the nEHS.

 

With the transition to market-based CO₂ prices from 2027, costs are expected to rise significantly. More problematic, however, is the uncertainty as to how and when the market price will be formed. Under current legislation, the price could not be fixed until May 2027 – around a year too late to draw up a business plan for 2027. The possible certificate price from January 2027 onwards is completely unclear at present.

Uncertain pricing, double reporting requirements and high administrative costs are weighing on the industry. ITAD is therefore calling for a revised and clear legal framework.

 

 

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