Who we are

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. All 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.