Recycling-Derived Fertilisers in Northwest Europe: Legal and Regulatory Framework

Recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) from waste and animal by-products face legal and regulatory barriers across Northwest Europe, hindering cross-border trade and use. This report examines the EU and national legislative frameworks, including the Nitrate Directive, Water Framework Directive, and Safemanure/ReNure initiatives, focusing on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application limits. It details country-specific standards in the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), Germany, France, Ireland, and the UK, highlighting differences in total N, effective N, and P2O5 regulations. Key criteria for RENURE (Recovered Nitrogen from manURE) include treatment beyond basic processing, mineral N:TN ≥ 90%, TOC:TN ≤ 3, and heavy metal limits. Compliance with N balance, storage, and ammonia emission controls is essential. Derogations exist in Ireland and the UK for grassland, while Germany and the Netherlands apply farm-level N surplus limits. Struvite and ash-based fertilisers are subject to varying classifications and authorisations. CE marking and end-of-waste status under EU/2019/1009 apply to compliant compost and ashes. The report draws on ReNu2Farm project findings and references from EC-JRC, University of Ghent, and national policy evaluations.