Development and demonstration of an ecological, innovative system for in-house waste recycling

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) remains a challenge in Greece. Attica, with more than 4 million inhabitants, faces a particularly difficult problem. Landfill is still the predominant means of disposal of MSW. In 2009, 81.1% of all MSW was sent to landfill and only 18.9% was recycled, even though, according to 2007 data, at least 46% of MSW consists of recyclable materials. This falls well short of the goals of the EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), which states that by 2020, the re-use and recycling of certain recyclable waste materials (paper, metals, plastic and glass from households) must be increased to a minimum of 50% by weight.

Greece aims to maximise material recovery through the widespread implementation of recycling programmes, with separation at source using specific curb-side bins, and further separation and treatment of waste streams at Material Recovery Facilities (MRF). However, in order to achieve the targets set by national and European legislation, municipalities and their residents must work towards greater separation, not only of recyclable waste from mixed waste, but also different types of recyclable waste. This will contribute to the supply of clean recyclable materials, without impurities from other waste. However, given the limited space available both in houses in Attica, and at curb-sides, where waste containers are placed, a system that would allow separation at source of recyclable materials, while minimizing their volume, would allow easier and longer storage, and would facilitate at-home separation of different recyclable streams.

OBJECTIVES

The Recycling@Home project will promote the sustainable management of MSW and natural resources by fostering recycling and reuse at home. An innovative, prototype system for the separate collection and minimisation of the volume of recyclable household waste, and the production of clean recovered materials of high quality that can be reintroduced in the market, will be developed and tested. The proposed technology is expected to minimise the storage and transportation of recyclable waste, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the environmental risks related to unsustainable waste management practices. The recycling unit will be flexible and user-friendly and will be adaptable to municipal waste management schemes in Greece and other European countries.

The prototype home recycling system will be tested in 100 households in two municipalities in the Attica region.

Expected results:

An increase in the recycling rate, with a target of greater than 85% recovery of household during the project period;

A reduction in the quantity of waste disposed of in landfill, and of greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfilling;

A reduction in the volume of waste transported, and a subsequent reduction in fossil fuel use and thus CO2 emissions from waste transportation;

A reduction in the use of natural resources, also resulting in a reduction in fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions from the manufacturing of products;

A fully operational pilot home recycling system, accompanied by the relevant design, testing and optimisation reports.