From landfill to valuable resource

Virtual Landfill Forum 2021 discusses ,,Landfill in Transition' [ Picture: Klinger und Partner GmbH] - It is just a few years since discussions were being held about closing landfill sites. But these facilities are still necessary today, for example for disposing of non-radioactive waste from dismantled nuclear power plants, or tar from road construction, but also for energy generation using photovoltaics. The best solutions for tackling this transition were the subject of the Landfill Forum 2021, with support from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy Management Baden-Württemberg and under the scientific direction of Prof. Martin Kranert, Department of Waste Management and Emissions. Landfills are an indispensable part of waste management infrastructure. However, as an increasingly scarce resource, landfills are frequently becoming the focus of public and political attention," emphasized outgoing Minister Franz Untersteller (MdL) in his welcome address at the conference. Helmfried Meinel, Ministerial Director at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Management, added: "Landfills for waste that cannot be recycled or further treated continue to be an important part of public services and the circular economy." For example, landfill capacity is required for the storage of stone and earth-like materials such as construction waste from decommissioned nuclear power plants, road construction or from the renovation of facades containing asbestos - which gives rise to several safety and recycling issues.