New report demonstrates eco, cost-competitive approach to mixed waste treatment

Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) has released a report highlighting the cost-effectiveness of Material Recovery and Biological Treatment (MRBT) systems for the treatment of mixed waste.

The report, titled "Nothing left behind: modelling Material Recovery and Biological Treatment’s contribution to resource recovery and fighting climate change" and conducted by Equanimator, focuses on the MRBT technology which involves advanced sorting systems for extracting recyclable materials from mixed waste and the biological treatment of the residual waste before landfilling.

The study found that MRBT costs are lower than costs for incineration, with MRBT becoming even more compelling once incinerators are included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The study also demonstrated the benefits of MRBT for extracting plastics for recycling from mixed waste.

Janek Vähk, ZWE's Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Programme Coordinator, states: "We have a climate crisis and EU funds should be used to implement MRBT across Europe. These systems must be considered by all EU countries to comply with their circular economy commitments. This report shows that MRBT works, it's cost-effective, and it brings us closer to our zero emissions target – it's effectively a proof of concept, so let's make sure we use it everywhere to address the climate emergency."