This directive came in to effect in 2002 and relates to standards and methods for the practice and technology of waste incineration. It aims to prevent, or limit as far as possible, the negative impact pollution created by the incineration of waste has on both the environment and human health.

Operational conditions, technical requirements and emission limit values were applied to both incineration plants (which burn waste and may not recover the heat generated by combustion) and co-inceration plants (whose main purpose is energy generation, such as cement kilns or power plants).

There is no minimum weight or quantity threshold and most waste incineration and co-inceration activities are subject to the directive. Permits are issued under the Pollution Prevention Control regime.