"On the EU average 40% of bio-waste is still landfilled (up to 100% in some Member States). However, landfilling (1) invokes major environmental risks such as emissions of greenhouse gases and pollution of soil and groundwater and, (2) withdraws valuable resources (compost, energy) irrevocably from economic and natural cycles" (see art. 1, p. 2).

The Commission Communication now accentuates " that improved management of bio-waste in the EU holds an untapped potential for significant environmental and economic benefits " (see art. 8, p. 10). " About one-third of the EU's 2020 target for renewable energy in transport could be met by using biogas produced from bio-waste, while around 2% of the EU's overall renewable energy target could be met if all bio-waste was turned into energy " (see art. 5, p. 5).

However, bio-waste covers only a small portion of the total biomethane potential. The EU definition of bio-waste does e.g. not include manure based biomethane (provides the highest GHG avoidance of all biomethane options with up to 148%), gas made from other agricultural resources, forest waste or biodegradable waste such as sewage sludge. In detail, bio-waste as defined in the revised Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) only includes garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises as well as comparable waste from food processing plants.

Read the complete article on www.ngvaeurope.eu

Download: COM (210)235 final "Future steps in bio-waste management in the European Union"