Dealing with rubbish has been high on the agenda in many European towns and cities in recent years. The municipality of Celje, located in central-eastern Slovenia, is no exception. Prior to the current project, a common waste treatment programme was servicing some 185 000 inhabitants in 17 municipalities. Upon completion of the project, the Regional Waste Management Centre, Celje will cater for 31 municipalities representing some 250 000 residents.
- 16 December 2009
Despite some obstacles, we succeeded in implementing the project thanks to a positive attitude and collaborative effort of the local community, region, country and European Union. Cohesion Fund assistance has helped us meet high environmental standards and has benefited the population of the Savinjska region by delivering an environment-friendly and cost-efficient waste management system.
The main problems detected in terms of waste management had been the lack of separate waste collection at sources, adequate treatment of municipal waste before disposal, and recycling facilities. This Stage II project therefore focused on the mechanical-biological and thermal treatment of municipal waste and has seen positive results, including a reduction in biodegradable waste deposits at landfills.
Stepping up to the task
With backing from EU funding, the project has helped solve the problem of how to manage communal waste and dispose of sludge from the waste water treatment plant in Celje. With the introduction of modern treatment methods, the quantity of landfill waste in the targeted waste collection region looks set to decrease by 62% in the long-term. The project has also helped ensure that the treatment facilities at the waste management centre comply with European technical and environmental standards covering waste and landfills.
Modern methods for modern challenges
The funds invested were used for two key features: firstly, the construction of a mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) system for municipal waste, with a total capacity of 61 000 tons of waste residue per year; and secondly, the construction of a thermal treatment (TT) system for municipal waste with a total capacity of 25 000 tons per year (broken down into 20 000 tons of biological waste and 5 000 tons of dehydrated sludge).
Clearing the air for the future
The level of methane (CH4) and greenhouse gas emissions from landfills has fallen as a result of reduced amounts of organic waste disposed of at landfill sites. There is also less sludge and less biodegradable waste deposits at landfills. One important feature is that a heat supply has been generated, thus minimising the consumption of non-renewable energy and ensuring less reliance on fossil fuels. The introduction of such efficient technology means cleaner air and a greener environment for residents and businesses, and also those visiting the region.