Romania’s total waste imports increased nearly 19-fold between 2008 and 2024, from approximately 46,600 tonnes to more than 865,000 tonnes (*National Institute of Statistics (INS))
· During the analysed period, Romania recorded significantly higher waste imports in categories such as paper, plastic materials, metals, and textiles.
· Waste exports declined by approximately 11% between 2008 and 2024, in contrast to the significant increase in imports(National Institute of Statistics (INS))
The total quantity of waste imported by Romania increased nearly 19 times between 2008 and 2024, from approximately 46,600 tonnes to more than 865,000 tonnes, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS)*, analysed by Clean Recycle specialists. During the same period, the value of imported waste increased from approximately EUR 28.8 million to more than EUR 451 million in 2024.
Recent developments indicate a significant shift in Romania’s waste flows, both in terms of import volumes and the types of materials entering the country.
During the analysed period, Romania recorded a substantial increase in waste imports across categories such as paper, plastic materials, and metals.
In 2024, imports of plastic waste reached approximately 74,000 tonnes, compared to around 6,000 tonnes in 2008. Paper waste volumes increased from 11,883 tonnes in 2008 to 47,422 tonnes in 2024, while imports of metal waste recorded a substantial rise, from 23,819 tonnes to 269,238 tonnes over the same period*.
Romania ranks last in the EU for recycling
Romania currently ranks last among European Union member states in packaging waste recycling, with a rate of 41.04%, according to the latest data published by the National Institute of Statistics*.
However, by 2027, member states are required to achieve a packaging waste recycling rate of at least 70%.
“The data regarding the increase in waste imports clearly highlights the need for stricter verification and traceability mechanisms. It is essential that second-hand products entering the market comply with conformity standards and that a clear distinction exists between legitimate reuse and the disguised transfer of waste. An efficient monitoring and control system is crucial both for environmental protection and for the proper functioning of the circular economy”, said Cosmin Monda, founder and CEO of Clean Recycle.
At the same time, between 2008 and 2024, the total volume of Romania’s waste exports decreased by approximately 11%, from 2.15 million tonnes in 2008 to 1.91 million tonnes in 2024*, according to the Clean Recycle analysis.
About Clean Recycle
Clean Recycle is one of the top 5 players in the local market for the transfer of responsibility regarding packaging waste (OIREP), taking over the obligation of reporting the collection and recovery of packaging and packaging waste placed on the market by producers and importers. Clean Recycle manages a portfolio of over 1000 companies that produce and market packaging waste accross Romania, operating in sectors such as FMCG and retail, agribusiness, automotive, distribution, industrial production, pharmaceuticals and more
