Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Current regulations and framework conditions for the circular economy
Companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are facing complex challenges in the face of increasingly strict regulations and directives. New directives and obligations such as the new Biowaste Ordinance, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles and the obligations for hazardous waste are forcing companies in these sectors to constantly adapt.
How to best deal with these changes in the transition to a circular economy and which tools can help? In this article, we explore these challenges and provide real-life examples of how technology can help ensure compliance, productivity and safety.
Germany: stricter separation
Germany is aligning its recycling framework with its 2024 National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). To support the transition to a circular economy, collectors will need to minimize contamination during separation at source, especially for plastic, glass and beverage cartons. This may require public education or AI-based sorting solutions.
Biowaste Ordinance: new requirements come into force
From May 1, 2025, biowaste may only contain a maximum of 0.5 percent plastic in order to reduce microplastic pollution and improve the quality of compost. The new requirements oblige operators of treatment plants to check the amount of foreign matter and take measures to remove unwanted materials if this is exceeded.
Extended producer responsibility for textiles
Extended producer responsibility for textiles is a work in progress, but realistically, waste collectors and recyclers will need to manage their own textile waste streams. However, partnerships with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO) or Joint Manufacturing Organizations (JMO) will help with compliance with audit requirements.
Austria: New deposit system from 2025
The deposit system was also launched in 2025. This will tackle the problem of PET bottles made of disposable plastic and aluminum beverage cans. When a customer buys one of these beverage containers, they pay a €0.25 deposit. If they return the container later, the deposit will be refunded.
Austria: Commercial waste and GHG during transportation
The Waste Management Act (AWG) from 2023 stipulates that waste shipments of 10 tons that travel over 300 kilometers must use rail transport or alternative low-emission methods. This distance was reduced to 200 kilometers in 2024, and as of January 1, 2026, it will only be 100 kilometers.
Strengthening the Swiss circular economy
Switzerland's new circular economy laws came into force on January 1, 2025. One of the most important regulations is the prioritization of recycling over incineration. Waste and recycling operators must channel more waste into recycling instead of energy recovery. The aim of this is to conserve resources and improve security of supply.
The road to compliance: the challenges of regulations
The challenge for companies in the waste, recycling and transportation sector is to adapt efficiently to the new laws and regulations. This requires changes in operations and, in some cases, investment in new technologies. These technologies are not only necessary to comply with regulations, but are also crucial tools to move towards a more sustainable future. Current and planned legislation is putting pressure on companies in the areas of waste, recycling and transportation. In order to comply with the legislation, they need to keep each other better informed about the new regulations, but at the same time they also need to look at possible changes to their operational processes. The right measures sometimes also require investment in new technologies, such as additional staff for inspections or a robust IT infrastructure that facilitates digitization and documentation. While the new regulation brings with it a multitude of challenges, it also offers promising opportunities. Digital solutions such as a cloud ERP platform for business management and AI innovations can help companies to overcome these challenges efficiently while complying with regulations.
The role of technology in compliance, efficiency and workplace safety
Fortunately, technologies such as the AMCS Platform, Vision AI and the EHS solution can help companies overcome these challenges. These systems help to manage waste streams, create and update waste management and demolition plans. They also improve compliance with strict waste separation and transportation requirements in accordance with local and EU laws and regulations. This is where advanced technologies can help you to be future-proof.
Industry-specific business software for the circular economy
The AMCS Platform provides end-to-end support for the management and optimization of all resource management business processes. By implementing this technology, companies have the opportunity to manage and report on their processes more efficiently and effectively in accordance with the new legal requirements. Think of CO2 reporting and other obligations under the CSRD guidelines, but also fully digitized and optimized services and transport planning.
Regulations and technology as drivers for a sustainable future
Complying with the complex laws and regulations in the waste, recycling and transportation sectors can seem like a major obstacle, but with the right technologies it is possible to navigate this environment. By using advanced tools such as the AMCS Platform, Vision AI and EHS solutions, companies can not only meet the latest regulatory requirements, but also make progress towards sustainability and the circular economy.
Are you ready to efficiently navigate industry regulations and overcome the daily challenges of the circular economy?
Download our latest whitepaper with an overview of all EU laws and regulations in the raw materials sector or contact us to learn how our solutions can help you efficiently meet these requirements.