COMWASTE (LIFE03 ENV/GR/000205)

Promotion and implementation of the systems for the promotion of high-quality compost from biodegradable household waste, separated at source.
2003 - 2006
http://uest.ntua.gr/archive/comwaste

ENVIRECO Consulting did not participate in the consortium, but undertook the construction of the prototype composting units that were distributed to the households of the participating Municipalities.

Use of the compost end product offsets the requirement for other soil conditioners, such as peat, in agricultural and garden uses. Separation of biodegradable wastes at source also allows for the promotion of home composting or composting within small, local communities. The compostable fraction of waste is often one of the most polluting of the waste stream, and implementing such a scheme diverts waste from the traditional disposal routes such as incineration and landfill. As one of the largest fractions of household waste, diverting organic waste from landfill can also significantly contribute to meeting local recycling targets. The system that will be developed will be based on the simultaneous biodegradation and stabilization of the household organic fraction. Also it will be characterized by flexibility, convenience in using and capability to treat small quantities of waste in short time period, at households. This was the first attempt in Greece to establish such a system for simultaneous collection - composting at source and the working group tried to develop an effective, suitable and operational system and scheme in order to be the basis of a full-scale introduction in other areas in the country. The design and development of a new prototype system included all state - of - the - art notions and ideas in respect to technological and scientific aspects.

The objective of this project was to develop a system for the simultaneous biodegradable household waste separation and composting at source tailored to the needs and special characteristics of the densely inhabited area of the Attica region. The compostable fraction of household waste is often one of the most polluting one. Implementing such a scheme diverts waste from the traditional disposal routes such as landfill.

As one of the largest fractions of household waste, diverting organic waste from landfill can also significantly contribute to meeting local recycling targets as set in the relevant EU Directives and the national strategy. Also, one of the main aims of the project was to provide information to local authorities that assist in introducing successful and cost-effective home composting and biodegradable waste-separation schemes in their localities and also to the householders in order to increase their participation and their environmental awareness. The residents of the participating municipalities possessed high level of environmental awareness and more specifically were trained on the separation and composting of their organic waste at source. Therefore, the quantity of household waste was decreased. Also, the environmental impacts of waste transport and handling was minimized. Additionally, separating their own waste stream raised the awareness of householders regarding waste generation and helped them develop a sense of responsibility for their waste. The project also identified appropriate methods of using the compost that was produced facing therefore the problem of ‘finding a market’. This project served as a pilot for introducing the scheme that was developed in a larger scale and potentially to other neighbouring municipalities having the same characteristics and needs.