PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The current waste collection system used by the industrial sector requires that a business producing waste must deal directly with a business that manages waste. To ensure that the waste is correctly managed, this system requires that the waste producer is aware of the relevant regulatory framework and the correct ways to separate and manage waste. They must also be aware of the issues involved and be resolute in looking for better ways to separate and manage waste. Even so, how the waste is managed will depend on the quantity produced, the frequency of collection, the business’s waste storage capacity, and, above all, the costs incurred in collection, transportation and management. A clear example of the type of problem that can arise is often encountered in the management of small quantities of hazardous waste or of separable general waste. These are frequently generated in small quantities or have to be removed within six months (in the case of hazardous waste), making it very difficult for the organisations that generate them to optimise the management of such wastes. Two of the main difficulties faced are the need to generate minimum quantities of waste, so that waste managers will agree to collect it, and the high costs involved, especially the collection and transportation costs. These problems mean that these types of waste are often disposed of incorrectly.
OBJECTIVES
The project focused on minimising the environmental impact of inappropriate or deficient treatment of waste. It aimed to reduce the environmental impact associated with waste management by:
Moreover, by coordinating collection and finding managers located nearby, the project foresaw a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions caused by the collection and transport of waste.
RESULTS
The 'Waste Joint Management' project designed and implemented a system that manages the wastes generated by companies in the Zona Franca Industrial Estate. It coordinates and supervises the correct treatment of waste and creates the necessary synergies to allow companies to optimise their waste management. As a result, this system is less harmful for the environment and economically advantageous.
A key outcome of the project was the establishment of an agreement whereby companies in the estate are obliged to use the PLATAFORMA system for the managing of their wastes. Such an undertaking was not straightforward due to the commercial interests of the companies. Additionally, public administrations do not go beyond what is required by law, and therefore waste is not always managed in the best way environmentally. By contrast, the PLATAFORMA system does not reward environmentally damaging practices, but selects the most sustainable waste transport and the best option for the final disposal of waste.
Initially the system was voluntary but this proved not to be a viable proposition. Even though the prices were competitive and the service was better, a large number of companies left the system after a while. Therefore, a compulsory system was introduced after two years. After a year, a marked improvement was recorded in the amount of wastes being separated, in the quantity and type of materials recycled and in the environmental impact of the collection of wastes made by the trucks and lorries. At the same time, the companies benefitted from a better service and lower costs.
Figures show that since the beginning of the project the amount of waste separated at source and the number of companies that carry out the segregation has significantly increased. The amount of waste material to be disposed of has, moreover, been reduced. The system has enabled companies producing certain waste products and materials to find new users of this waste. Furthermore, two new vehicles meeting European emission standards perform the collection services.
A particular strong point of the new system is the centralisation of the waste management. However, the dissemination of the results focused only on the estate and not farther afield. Communication activities were mostly targeted at companies and aimed at getting them to join the system.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
The 'Waste Joint Management' project designed and implemented a system that manages the wastes generated by companies in the Zona Franca Industrial Estate. It coordinates and supervises the correct treatment of waste and creates the necessary synergies to allow companies to optimise their waste management. As a result, this system is less harmful for the environment and economically advantageous.A key outcome of the project was the establishment of an agreement whereby companies in the estate are obliged to use the PLATAFORMA system for the managing of their wastes. Such an undertaking was not straightforward due to the commercial interests of the companies. Additionally, public administrations do not go beyond what is required by law, and therefore waste is not always managed in the best way environmentally. By contrast, the PLATAFORMA system does not reward environmentally damaging practices, but selects the most sustainable waste transport and the best option for the final disposal of waste.
Initially the system was voluntary but this proved not to be a viable proposition. Even though the prices were competitive and the service was better, a large number of companies left the system after a while. Therefore, a compulsory system was introduced after two years. After a year, a marked improvement was recorded in the amount of wastes being separated, in the quantity and type of materials recycled and in the environmental impact of the collection of wastes made by the trucks and lorries. At the same time, the companies benefitted from a better service and lower costs.
Figures show that since the beginning of the project the amount of waste separated at source and the number of companies that carry out the segregation has significantly increased. The amount of waste material to be disposed of has, moreover, been reduced. The system has enabled companies producing certain waste products and materials to find new users of this waste. Furthermore, two new vehicles meeting European emission standards perform the collection services.
A particular strong point of the new system is the centralisation of the waste management. However, the dissemination of the results focused only on the estate and not farther afield. Communication activities were mostly targeted at companies and aimed at getting them to join the system.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
