This report looks at whether, and to what extent, the EU recycling targets can be met through improved recyclability of packaging and increased separate collections of municipal waste.

It examines the role mixed waste sorting (MWS) could play in three EU countries with high recycling performance – Germany, Belgium, and Sweden.

The conclusion is that in addition to separate collection and improved recyclability of plastic packaging, a full roll-out of effective MWS is necessary to meet recycling targets consistently, and to ensure progress towards the EU’s wider carbon emissions reduction goals.