Romania surpasses recycling target with new facilities

Romania has exceeded its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) target for recycling by achieving 133% compliance. This milestone was announced by the Ministry of Environment on August 13, highlighting the significant progress the country is making in waste management.

The completion of 12 new recycling facilities has been a key factor in reaching this goal. These facilities are capable of processing a diverse range of materials, including plastic, glass, textiles, non-ferrous metals, used tires, and construction debris. Their implementation spans across 13 counties, including Brașov, Buzău, Giurgiu, Botoșani, Dâmbovița, Covasna, Călărași, Iași, Maramureș, Constanța, Suceava, and Neamț.

The coordination of funding and project completion has been managed by the Administration of the Environmental Fund (AFM). The AFM is also backing the national program 'Recycling Factories', which supports 16 contracts with a total value exceeding 271.3 million lei. This program signifies a substantial investment in Romania's recycling infrastructure.

In April 2025, contracts worth approximately 670 million lei were signed, marking the initial portfolio of this investment. The funding for 13 of the initial projects has already been transferred to the Environmental Fund's budget, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing development in this sector.

The aid granted to each beneficiary of these projects ranges from 500,000 euros to a maximum of 8.4 million euros, with support intensity reaching up to 75% of eligible expenses. Notably, two projects are currently underway in Iași, showcasing the widespread impact of this initiative.

With hundreds of millions of lei allocated for further recycling projects, Romania is not only meeting but exceeding expectations, paving the way for a more sustainable future.