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 unused potential of waste components which, after appropriate processing, could be used as secondary raw materials or as secondary fuel and thus contribute to the saving of primary raw materials and fossil fuels, is another important aspect of the climate balance of waste.

The greatest climate-relevant effects are caused by waste dumps, 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 also for soil improvement and consequently an improved usability of the recyclables present in the dry waste, a significant contribution to reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions would be made.

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, the transfer of knowledge on promising approaches to reduce the landfilling of untreated biogenic waste or untreated municipal waste with a high biogenic content, to use the biowaste for energy generation and soil improvement, and to improve the extraction of secondary raw materials through the separate collection of wet bio-waste and dry waste, as well as the networking of key players and to support 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 to the local positive contribution of biogenic waste to climate and resource protection.