MBTAnlagen

MBT-Anlagen, short for mechanisch-biologische Abfallbehandlungsanlagen, are facilities used in municipal waste management to separate recyclable materials and stabilize the organic fraction of residual waste. They combine mechanical processing with biological treatment to reduce waste volume, improve material recovery, and lower landfill disposal.

In the mechanical treatment stage, pre-sorting, shredding, screening, and density separation are applied to separate metals (via magnets and eddy current separators), plastics, glass, and other fractions. Optical sorting and automated conveyors further separate packaging materials. The process yields a recyclable stream and a residual organic fraction designated for biological treatment.

The biological stage treats the organic fraction through aerobic composting or anaerobic digestion, often in controlled reactors. Stabilised material is produced as mature compost or digestate, while biogas or other energy forms may be recovered.

Outputs and valorisation: recovered metals, plastics, glass, and RDF/SRF fractions may be sold or used as fuel in energy-intensive processes; compost or digestate can be used as soil amendment where permitted. The remaining non-usable residues are typically reduced in volume compared with the original waste.

MBT plants are part of integrated waste management and circular economy strategies, helping comply with directives that limit landfilling of biodegradable waste. Plant sizes vary widely, commonly ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand tonnes per year, depending on regulations and market demand.

Environmental aspects include greenhouse gas management, emissions controls, odor and dust mitigation, and surface water protection. Plant performance depends on feedstock quality, sorting efficiency, and the specifics of the biological process employed.