Production of source-separated domestic waste fractions

Abstract

The separation of domestic waste materials at source of production is a well-known method which has gained renewed interest in recent years. Projects which have been concluded in the Netherlands, and those still in progress, such as those running at Groningen, Den Bosch, Amersfoort and Woerden, are to be described. The results already available with respect to collectson of domestic refuse and its separation into fractions are also presented. In addition, an indication is given of where outlet markets may be found for these fractions. The research carried out so far has led to the following conclusions: (1) The population can be sufficiently motivated to separate domestic refuse at the source; (2) Subsequent separation into secondary raw materials is technically feasible; (3) A scaling-up process is required to assess the economic feasibility of the proposed separation method.