In Germany, the German CLOSECYCLE partners TUHH met the partners of the project Biomass Knowledge Center (an Germany-Denmark INTERREG project). A very interesting project which can strengthen the knowledge of CLOSECYCLE. It is one-year project for establishing partnerships between German and Danish Waste collection and treatment organisations. The meeting took place at the waste site in Ahrenshoeft in the area of Nordfriesland (Lower Saxony). The 30 participants exchanged knowledge inside. And visited the waste site.
Methods of collection in Germany and Denmark are quite different and both have their advantages and disadvantages. The participants inspired each other. For example in how consumers are motivated to separate the waste; in Denmark everywhere the same regulation is valid for collecting waste. They use easy to understand icons to make it clear. Also the use and removal of biodegradable plastic bags was discussed. In Sweden, PE bags are used for kitchenwaste collection and again later on removed. The kitchenwaste biopulp will go to anaerobic digestion and there is no post composting phase. In Denmark, anaerobic digestion is a a general governmental usage strategy, where the byproduct biogasis used for renewable energy systems.
Options for improvement for biowaste collection in the area of Nordfriesland (Germany) were discussed. Synergies with CLOSECYCLE are seen in using the digital BRIT tool for supporting changes in the Nordfriesland area, in using the presented process examples in WP 2 for comparing process options and in WP 4 with working out the economic, social and ecologic benefits of different chains for residue valorization. The projects will meet again! And partners will start writing a proposal together for biogas, where CLOSECYCLE may eventually also can support.
