The output material of a recycling operation ceases to be waste when the following conditions applies:
(a) the substance or object is to be used for specific purposes;
(b) a market or demand exists for such a substance or object;
(c) the substance or object fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products; and
(d) the use of the substance or object will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts.

Detailed criteria and procedures can be set for specific waste streams by Member States or at European Union level by an Implementing Act. End-of-waste criteria shall include:
(a) permissible waste input material for the recovery operation;
(b) allowed treatment processes and techniques;
(c) quality criteria for end-of-waste materials resulting from the recovery operation in line with the applicable product standards, including limit values for pollutants where necessary;
(d) requirements for management systems to demonstrate compliance with the end-of-waste criteria, including for quality control and self-monitoring, and accreditation,where appropriate; and
(e) a requirement for a statement of conformity.