End-of-life

End-of-life is the final stage in the life cycle of a product or material, when it can no longer fulfill its original function and must be directed to a disposal or recovery system. In the context of waste management, the term refers to the type of treatment applied to the collected materials. The main options include recycling, reuse, energy recovery, or, as a last resort, controlled landfill. The choice of the final destination directly affects the residual environmental impact and the potential to reintegrate resources into the production cycle, thereby supporting the circular economy.