Focusing on three waste streams, COLLECTORS:

• developed an inventory of waste practices with 242 waste collection systems;
• identified and analysed relevant case studies, considering both specific, local contexts (tourism activity and local gross domestic product) and the performance of the collection systems (capture rates)
• developed practical guidelines for decision-makers in local and regional authorities, producer responsibility organisations, and national and EU institutions.

The guidelines highlighted effective practices and instruments in high-quality recycling, ways to overcome local, specific challenges, and environmental and economic benefits that can be achieved by improving waste collection systems. Territories involved: Aarhus city (Denmark), Ås municipality (Norway), Beijing city (China), Changsha city (China), Hatay province (Turkey)

The project assessed the overall performance of waste collection systems in different geographical areas based on comparable data for 12 case studies and collected 242 waste collection systems for packaging and paper waste, WEEE, and CDW throughout Europe. The project engaged with the stakeholders across the value chain, including key decision makers and citizens. In case of citizens, focus groups were organised to provide insights into understanding the societal acceptance of systems for paper and packaging, WEEE, and construction and demolition waste. Amongst other things, they discussed effective (and innovative) measures to incentivise citizens to participate in waste collection.

The project developed several useful tools, including:
 

• The COLLECTORS web platform: an online database documenting the organisation and performance of 242 European waste collection systems.
• The waste library, which lists reports on different aspects of local municipal waste management, including regulation, organisation, statistics, environmental and social aspects, and costs, and covers 24 countries.
• The COLLECTORS guidelines, which provide recommendations for local waste collection systems to better assess their situation and improve performance. They include practical recommendations and more concrete illustrations of how local systems succeeded in tackling challenges and improving performance.
• The COLLECTORS policy recommendations, which list propositions for improving national and regional framework conditions. They address six key topics and challenges highlighted by the project and propose how to improve the EU, national, and regional frameworks so that local players can implement successful, economically-viable waste collection systems.

Programme(s):

• H2020-EU.3.5.: SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials (Main programme)
• H2020-EU.3.5.3.: Ensuring the sustainable supply of non-energy and non-agricultural raw materials

Topic(s):

• SC5-15-2016-2017: Raw materials policy support actions

PNO Consultants Contact the project: https://www.collectors2020.eu/contact/

• Ramboll Deutschland Gmbh
• Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus Vtt Oy
• Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek N.V.
• Universiteit Leiden
• Association des Cités et Regions pour la gestion durable des Ressources
• Zero Waste Europe
• WEEE Forum a.i.s.b.l
• Eurocities Asbl