Restabfälle

Restabfälle, also known as residual waste, refers to household waste that cannot be further recycled or composted. It is the portion of waste that remains after sorting for recycling, organic waste collection, and other waste diversion programs. This type of waste typically includes items like contaminated packaging, certain plastics, ceramics, hygiene products, and small amounts of mixed materials.

The management of Restabfälle is a significant aspect of waste management strategies in many countries. Due to its mixed nature, it often requires specialized treatment. Historically, much of this waste was sent to landfills. However, environmental concerns and the desire to recover energy and materials have led to a shift towards alternative treatment methods.

Modern approaches to managing Restabfälle often involve incineration in waste-to-energy plants. These facilities generate electricity and heat from the combustion of the waste, thereby reducing the volume of material sent to landfills and providing a source of renewable energy. Advanced incineration plants are equipped with sophisticated emission control systems to minimize environmental impact. Another method is mechanical-biological treatment (MBT), which aims to separate out recyclables and compostable materials from the residual waste before the remaining fraction is either landfilled or incinerated. The ultimate goal is to minimize the amount of waste going to landfills and to maximize resource recovery.