Circular economy

End-of-waste and by-product status

Industrial activities often generate by-products and waste alongside the main product. In an environmental permit, a specific material can be granted by-product status. It can then be used, for example, as a raw material in another industrial process and falls outside the scope of waste legislation.

Waste can also lose its status as waste (in Finnish “Ei enää jätettä”, EEJ, previously referred to as end-of-waste, EoW). When this happens, the material is no longer considered waste and is instead governed by product legislation. Once a material has by-product or end-of-waste status, its recovery and use is often easier, since the user does not need a permit for waste treatment.

By-product or end-of-waste status can be granted in an environmental permit decision or in a separate statement from the ELY Centre or the municipal environmental protection authority. The material is granted the desired status if it meets the criteria. The criteria can involve interpretation. A well prepared permit application is therefore important for securing the desired status for the material. Ecobio supports you in preparing a compliant permit application to change the status of the material.

Waste shipment permits

International transfers of waste require a waste shipment permit, which in Finland is granted by the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). The permit ensures that waste is transported appropriately and delivered to a suitable treatment facility. Shipments of so called green listed waste are an exception and do not require a permit procedure, since they are not likely to pose a risk to the environment. Typical examples include metal scrap and waste paper.

Ecobio assists in applying for waste shipment permits and in questions related to the process. The permit process involves communication with authorities in several countries and entering information into the dedicated waste shipment database. With Ecobio’s support, the process proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

Recycling and recovery assessments

Ecobio helps industrial companies improve the efficiency of their operations by developing recycling and material recovery. Recycling and recovery of waste and materials improves the use of resources. Ecobio’s experts support you in setting targets for waste recycling and recovery and in defining the measures needed to reach those targets. With Ecobio’s support, waste reporting to authorities and stakeholders is straightforward.   

Circular economy studies and impact assessments

Circular economy is an effective approach to responsible business. It can also strengthen a company’s financial performance by converting cost streams such as waste management into revenue streams through productised waste based materials. Ecobio provides a range of studies and impact assessments on circular economy opportunities to support decision making. Ecobio has extensive expertise in circular economy, and our service offering also includes related training and workshops.

Waste management plans

A waste management plan helps a company ensure that adequate measures are in place for the collection and storage of the wastes generated. The plan can also be used to improve recycling and recovery of different waste fractions. For ports, a waste management plan is required under the Maritime Environmental Protection Act (1672/2009). Ports must have an authority approved waste management plan that describes, among other things, how waste management services are arranged for vessels.

Ecobio has prepared numerous waste management plans and updates for ports. Through our support, operators can be confident that their plan will be approved by the authorities.