Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications to support innovative recycling technologies that improve material recovery and strengthen the circular economy across the European Union. The programme focuses on advancing efficient recovery systems for critical raw materials from electronic waste while reducing environmental impacts and dependency on imported resources.
With a total funding envelope of approximately €10 million and indicative contributions of around €5 million per project, the initiative supports scalable, technology-driven solutions for the recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and critical raw materials.
Overview
The increasing global demand for critical raw materials used in high-tech and green technologies has intensified pressure on primary resource extraction. Electronic waste contains valuable materials such as rare earth elements and precious metals, but current recycling systems often fail to recover them efficiently.
This funding opportunity aims to improve recycling technologies, strengthen secondary raw material markets, and support Europe’s transition toward a more resilient and circular economy.
Funding Information
- Total funding available: ~€10,000,000
- Indicative funding per project: ~€5,000,000
- Funding type: Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions
- Scope: Development and demonstration of advanced recycling technologies
Focus Areas
Projects should address one or more of the following areas:
- Collection, sorting, and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Recovery of critical and strategic raw materials
- Reduction of dependence on imported raw materials
- Development of secondary raw material markets
- Improvement of recycling system economic viability
- Environmental impact reduction, including biodiversity protection
- Safe and high-quality material recovery for industrial use
Project Scope
Projects are expected to develop and demonstrate scalable and efficient recycling solutions for electronic waste streams.
Key activities include:
- Development of advanced recycling and recovery technologies
- Extraction of rare earth elements and precious metals from e-waste
- Integration of AI-based sorting and processing systems
- Application of bio-based or bio-inspired recycling innovations
- Design of automated and resource-efficient recycling systems
- Improvement of multi-material recovery processes
- Development of cost-effective and scalable recycling models
Projects should also focus on:
- Ensuring high-quality standards for recovered materials
- Improving safety in recycling processes
- Enhancing industrial usability of secondary raw materials
- Promoting synergies in multi-material recovery
- Reducing environmental footprint of recycling operations
- Supporting biodiversity preservation through reduced extraction pressure
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded under this initiative are expected to deliver:
- Higher recovery rates of critical raw materials from electronic waste
- Improved efficiency in recycling and sorting systems
- Reduced reliance on imported raw materials
- Strengthened circular economy value chains
- Development of economically viable recycling solutions
- Reduced environmental and biodiversity impacts
- Increased availability of high-quality secondary raw materials for industry
Policy Context
This funding supports key European Union policy frameworks, including:
- European Green Deal
- Circular Economy Action Plan
- Critical Raw Materials Act
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
- EU biodiversity and environmental protection strategies
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity under Horizon Europe rules
- Public organisations
- Private companies
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Recycling and waste management operators
- Technology developers
- International organisations
- Entities from non-associated third countries, subject to call conditions
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Confirm eligibility under Horizon Europe requirements.
- Review specific call conditions and technical criteria.
Step 2: Develop a Recycling Innovation Proposal
Prepare a proposal that:
- Addresses recovery of critical raw materials from electronic waste
- Demonstrates innovative recycling technologies
- Includes scalable and economically viable solutions
- Aligns with EU circular economy objectives
Step 3: Build a Consortium
Where relevant:
- Include recycling industry stakeholders
- Engage technology developers and researchers
- Collaborate with waste management operators
- Integrate AI and materials science expertise
Step 4: Submit Application
- Prepare full technical and financial documentation.
- Submit according to Horizon Europe application procedures.
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on improving recovery efficiency for critical raw materials.
- Demonstrate scalability and industrial applicability of technologies.
- Integrate AI or advanced sorting technologies where possible.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Highlight economic viability and market potential of recovered materials.
- Address environmental and biodiversity impacts of recycling systems.
Why This Funding Matters
Critical raw materials are essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy systems and digital infrastructure. However, reliance on primary extraction creates environmental pressures and supply risks. This funding opportunity supports the development of advanced recycling technologies that reduce dependency on imports, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen Europe’s circular economy while reducing environmental harm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the total funding available?
- Approximately €10,000,000 is available under this topic.
- How much funding can each project receive?
- Around €5,000,000 per project.
- What materials are targeted?
- Critical and strategic raw materials, including rare earth elements and precious metals from electronic waste.
- What is the main goal of the programme?
- To improve recycling technologies and increase recovery of valuable materials while supporting the circular economy.
- Who can apply?
- Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries under Horizon Europe rules.
- What technologies are encouraged?
- AI-based sorting systems
- Advanced recycling processes
- Bio-based or bio-inspired innovations
- Automated recovery technologies
- What environmental benefits are expected?
- Reduced resource extraction
- Lower environmental and biodiversity impacts
- Improved material efficiency and circularity
Conclusion
The European Commission’s recycling innovation initiative supports the development of advanced technologies for recovering critical raw materials from electronic waste. By improving collection, sorting, and recycling systems, the programme strengthens Europe’s circular economy, reduces dependence on imported resources, and contributes to more sustainable and resource-efficient industrial systems.
For more information, visit European Commission.