Dutch policy for ban on landfilling
A general Dutch policy has been in existence since 2006 to prohibit the landfilling of so-called ''substances of concern''. This dumping ban has already been implemented for about 40 substances, for example for mercury and batteries. PbEG 1998 L204/37 is an example of this directive. Since 2018, that policy has explicitly included the prohibition on landfilling asbestos. It will be activated as soon as safe and affordable processing technology exists (see Annex with a translated excerpt of the Dutch Legislation).
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) indicated in an e-mail on 5 September 2022 to Asbeter that the Ministry is interested in Asbeter applying for the activation of the ban on landfilling as soon as Asbeter meet the requirements (having a process verification and the capacity to intake 75% of market volume, ascending to 100% within two years), and it indicated it would support Asbeter's application to activate the ban (Email exchange with I&W officials, Annex). At the suggestion of Ministry of I&W and Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK), Asbeter is preparing a concept letter to apply to activate the ban, which we will discuss with the ministries' officials in the coming months.
You will find the actual policy here: https://www.asbestversnelling.nl/
In other countries, Asbeter's growth through licensing its AC Minerals process is not dependent on bans on landfilling. There are several European countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and the UK where the cost of landfilling in 2023 already exceeds €300/ton, in addition to the increasing shortage of landfill capacity, so Asbeter's process (intake cost foreseen at €251/ton) immediately provides a financial benefit. Nevertheless, Asbeter will accompany licensees in requesting the adjustment of regulations to safely process asbestos cement instead of landfilling.
We are currently speaking with authorities in Australia and private investors in Belgium, the UK and Italy who are interested in acquiring licenses to use Asbeter's AC Minerals process (LOIs). We expect to close the first licensing deals in 2025.
Asbeter's innovation and progress has not gone unnoticed by EU regulators. Asbeter was the only company invited to present an asbestos treatment solution at ''Asbestos waste management and treatment in Europe'' online workshop on 15 June 2023, bringing together EU institutions, competent authorities from Member States, waste management companies and researchers.
