The report targets the collection, treatment, and recycling of plastics, batteries, and bio-based side and waste streams by analysing current and emerging European regulatory frameworks and exploring national implementation through case studies from Finland, Norway, and Estonia. It combines desk research with stakeholder engagement workshops to identify key regulatory drivers and barriers, validate insights, and develop targeted policy recommendations.

For plastics, it calls for improved recyclability through eco-design and digital product passports to enhance traceability and standardization. In the battery sector, it recommends establishing safety standards for second-life BESS installations and promoting eco-design to enable easier reuse and repurposing of EV batteries. For bio-based side and waste streams, priorities include simplifying and stabilizing the regulatory framework, updating outdated sewage sludge regulations to support safe nutrient recovery, and ensuring long-term support for biogas development, particularly in Finland. This report is particularly useful in the Map phase of Circular Systemic Solutions deployment, as it provides a comprehensive regulatory overview and identifies key challenges and opportunities for circular system development.