RETKon21

Waste handling worldwide contributes significantly to the global climate change and to the loss of resources. Unmanaged waste disposals in nature and on open landfills, as well as the incineration of waste in the countryside and also in plants with lacking or inadequate waste gas collection and purification systems, contribute significantly to the generation and emission of climate-damaging gases. The previously unused potential of waste components, which could be used as secondary raw materials or as secondary fuel after appropriate processing, contributes to the saving of primary raw materials and fossil fuels. This is another important aspect of the climate-relevant balancing of waste.

The greatest impact on the climate is caused by landfills, where untreated municipal waste, which consists of more than 60 % bio-waste, is deposited. Through the separate collection - initially also by establishing a simple wet-dry collection system - and the treatment or use of biowaste for energy generation and soil improvement can make a significant contribution to reducing of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, this will improve the usability of the recyclables present in the dry waste.

The aim of holding a conference on "Climate and resource protection through environmentally compatible Collection and recycling of biogenic waste" was the exchange of experience. It also aimed to share knowledge on promising approaches.  These include reducing the landfilling of untreated biogenic waste or untreated municipal waste with a high biogenic content. The utilisation of biowaste for energy generation and soil improvement as well as the improvement of the extraction of secondary raw materials through the separate collection of wet bio-waste and dry waste were also topics of the conference. Other objectives included networking of key players and supporting the "Green New Deal" as a roadmap for a sustainable EU economy.

Speakers from relevant regions were invited to report on existing structures, challenges and best-practice approaches. The focus was on the local contribution of biological waste management to climate and resource protection.