European silicone manufacturers are approaching an important change in waste shipment rules. With new export restrictions beginning in November 2026 and facility audit requirements following in May 2027, now is the time to review where your silicone scrap goes—and how your recycling partner will support you through the transition.

ECO USA offers EU silicone scrap producers a practical collection and recycling route. With a warehouse in Germany, collection capabilities throughout the EU and a silicone recycling facility in the United States, we connect European manufacturers with recycling capacity in an OECD member country.

If your business generates silicone production scrap, we invite you to discuss your materials and collection needs with our team.

Understanding the changes

From 21 November 2026, the EU will prohibit exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries, including clean, non-hazardous plastic waste destined for recycling. This restriction concerns the destination country, making it important for producers to understand where their materials will ultimately be processed. European Commission guidance

For silicone producers, waste classification deserves particular attention. Material commonly called “silicone rubber” can fall within plastic-waste classifications: EU guidance specifically identifies thermoset polysiloxanes among materials that may qualify under entries B3011 and EU3011. The correct classification depends on the actual waste stream and applicable conditions. EU classification guidance, paragraph 13

Because the United States is an OECD member, shipments to ECO USA’s U.S. recycling facility fall outside the November 2026 ban targeting non-OECD destinations. Applicable shipment requirements still need to be met. In particular, EU exports classified as B3011 have been subject to prior notification and consent since 21 May 2026. European Commission export requirements

European collection through our German warehouse

Our warehouse in Germany provides a European collection point for materials destined for recycling at ECO USA’s U.S. facility. We can collect silicone scrap throughout the EU, helping producers coordinate the movement of their materials through a local logistics connection.

Every enquiry starts with understanding your scrap. Photos, material specifications, information about contamination and estimated quantities help us assess suitability and discuss a collection arrangement. Material acceptance and shipment arrangements are confirmed before collection.

For manufacturers reviewing their current recycling arrangements, this is an opportunity to establish a clear route from the production site to the recycling destination.

Planning for the May 2027 audit requirements

From 21 May 2027, EU exporters will generally need to ensure that receiving facilities outside the EU have undergone an independent audit demonstrating environmentally sound waste management. This requirement also extends to OECD destinations. The audit involves physical and documentary checks against the regulation’s criteria. Waste Shipment Regulation, Article 46

ECO USA plans to undergo the required independent audit in 2027, ahead of the May deadline, to support continued service for our European suppliers. Following successful completion, we intend to make the relevant audit documentation available to our EU export partners.

Our focus is straightforward: help European silicone scrap producers plan their recycling arrangements as the requirements change.

Discuss your silicone scrap with ECO USA

To start a conversation, send us:

• Your collection location within the EU.
• A description and photos of the silicone scrap.
• Available quantities and how often the material is generated.
• Material specifications and any known contamination.

Contact ECO USA to discuss silicone scrap collection through our German warehouse and recycling at our facility in the United States.