Brussels,

Polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCBs/PCTs)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) are manmade chemicals once widely used in electrical and hydraulic equipment, as well as in lubricants.

They are now recognized as highly toxic, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and probable human carcinogens that pose significant risks to both health and the environment. Their use in the EU has been severely restricted since 1985.

Key Objectives

  1. Safe inventory and management: EU countries must identify and register (inventory) large equipment containing PCBs/PCTs and adopt plans for their decontamination or disposal.
  2. Clear disposal deadlines:
    • By the end of 2010, EU countries were required to decontaminate or dispose of equipment containing PCB volumes of more than 5 liters.
    • Under the recast of the POPs Regulation (2019), all remaining PCBs in dielectric equipment (concentration above 0.005% and volume greater than 50 ml) must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed by 31 December 2025.
  3. Collection and disposal of smaller equipment: Outlines are required for collecting and disposing of PCB-/PCT-containing devices not included in the inventories (e.g., older household appliances).
These measures support the EU’s broader commitments under the European Green Deal and various strategies (e.g., the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Circular Economy Action Plan) to reduce toxic pollution, promote safer industrial processes, and foster a more sustainable economy. By enforcing strict rules on the handling and destruction of PCB-/PCT-containing equipment, the EU aims to protect human health and the environment from these hazardous substances.
1. Historical Production and Use

  • Global PCB production is estimated at around 1.2–1.5 million tonnes from the 1930s to the late 1980s, with Europe accounting for roughly 30–40% of this total. Major European producers included facilities in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK.
  • By the mid-1980s, when the EU began heavily restricting PCBs/PCTs, it is estimated that several hundred thousand tonnes had already been sold or were in use in Europe (primarily in electrical transformers, capacitors, and hydraulic systems).

2. Decline in PCB Emissions

  • Air emissions of PCBs in Europe have dropped significantly since the 1980s, with some estimates (e.g., from the European Environment Agency) suggesting a 75–90% reduction between 1990 and the mid-2000s.
  • This decline is largely attributed to the phased ban on PCBs, the decommissioning of equipment, and better waste-management practices.

3. Inventories and Disposal Progress
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  • Under Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of PCBs/PCTs, EU Member States had to inventory and label large PCB-containing equipment and devise disposal plans.
  • By 2010 (the original disposal deadline for large equipment with PCB volumes > 5 liters), many Member States reported having decontaminated or disposed of 80–90% of the inventoried equipment. Full compliance varied by country—some reached near-complete disposal of inventoried stock, while others continued remediation past 2010.
  • Older and smaller PCB-containing appliances (e.g., certain household items manufactured before restrictions took effect) are more difficult to track and remain a concern for waste management facilities.

4. Upcoming 2025 Deadline
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  • Under the recast of the POPs Regulation (2019), all remaining PCBs in dielectric equipment (above 0.005% concentration and in volumes greater than 50 ml) must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed by 31 December 2025.
  • Although data vary, estimates from national inventories suggest there are still thousands of pieces of remaining equipment (e.g., old transformers, capacitors) across the EU that need to be dealt with by this deadline.

5. Remaining Challenges
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  • Construction materials: Some buildings from the mid-20th century still contain PCB-laden materials (paints, sealants). These become relevant during renovations or demolitions, contributing to ongoing PCB detection in soil and demolition waste.
  • Variability between Member States: Disposal rates and completeness of inventories differ. Some countries have robust systems and near-complete disposal rates, while others face technical, financial, or administrative obstacles.
  • Data gaps: Despite mandatory inventories, complete, up-to-date European-wide statistics can be patchy, especially regarding smaller or non-inventoried equipment. Ongoing efforts aim to improve reporting and transparency.

Legislative Framework

Implementation

EU countries must ensure compliance with the directive, including:​
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Related Links

Relevant standards include:
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Timeline

  • 31 December 2025 - Upcoming deadline
    For all remaining PCBs within di-electric equipment in concentrations above 0.005% and in volumes greater than 50 ml to be identified and removed from use. At the end of 2010, EU counties had to decontaminate or dispose of equipment containing PCB volumes of more than 5 litres. This did not apply to transformers containing between 0.05 % and 0.005 % by weight of PCBs or PCTs, which could be disposed of at the end of their useful lives.

  • 16 September 1999
    Member States sent inventories of equipment with PCB volumes of more than 5 dm³ to the European Commission.

  • 16 March 1998
    Deadline for EU countries to incorporate the Directive into national law

  • 16 September 1996
    Directive on the disposal of PCBs/PCTs enters into force