ABOUT US
Who we are
The history of FIR
Fédération Internationale du Recyclage (FIR) was established in 1991 by the recycling associations of some EU Member States. Early on they had recognised that cooperation was needed to build a healthy recycling industry for construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Slowly this industry started growing in other parts of Europe, and so did FIR. Most of the national recycling associations for C&DW are now members of FIR, as are leading companies in those Member States where there is not yet a national association.
Since 2012 FIR also represents recyclers of Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA), the main residue from household waste incineration. Recycling of IBA at this moment only takes place in a few EU Member States. The reason being, that currently only a handful of EU countries apply the Energy from Waste (EfW) technology. Most existing national associations are members of FIR.
FIR stands for and promotes the high quality recycling of C&DW and IBA. It engages in discussions on European level regarding politics, environment and economy – and assists its members on a national level.
The Goals of FIR
The aim of FIR is to promote high quality recycling of C&DW and IBA. Specifically its aims are:
- To provide its members with support and advice and to represent them internationally in all their concerns.
- To raise the performance level of recycling businesses and to promote and strengthen the ideal of quality assurance.
- To promote research, development and standardisation in the field of construction materials recycling and regarding recovery of incinerator bottom ash aggregate.
- To connect European policy makers and the mineral waste industry, contributing to the overall aim to reduce this waste stream.
- To foster and maintain partnership and exchange of best practices between individual national trade associations and businesses.
Organization
FIR is organised as follows:
General Assembly
This is the governing body of FIR where all members are represented.
Board
The Board is elected by the General Assembly. It carries out the daily management of the organisation.
Technical Committees
We organise at least four Technical Meetings per year where all aspects of recycling of C&DW and IBA are discussed. This is the place where colleagues meet, exchange and learns from one another.
Secretariat
The Secretariat of FIR carries out daily operations and is the central contact point for members and for external parties.
Partners
FIR collaborates with partners that share the aim of high quality recycling. We have long and structural partnership with colleague associations.
UEPG
UEPG represents the European Aggregates Industry.
FEAD
FEAD represents the private waste management and resource industry across Europe.
Latest News
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Yprema provides recycled aggregates for Parisian metro
Since 2018 Yprema, long term member of FIR, has been providing high quality recycled aggregates [...]
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Recycled aggregates are articles under REACH
Together with partner association, FIR has re-assessed the status of recycled aggregates under REACH regulation. [...]