More recycling saves 33 million solar panels

Research shows: reuse of raw materials is better than incineration, also from the perspective of climate policy

If the Netherlands were to utilise all recycling opportunities, 2,250 ktonnes less CO2 would be emitted.

These results come from research conducted by the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University, commissioned by the EmsterOverleg, the BRBS, BVOR, FHG, NVRD, PRN, Recycling Network and SDV.

To bring about a breakthrough in thinking, Utrecht University recently completed its study 'Saving materials', commissioned by the aforementioned umbrella organisations of waste and recycling companies and environmental organisations.

On 8 September 2010, the first copy of this report was presented to Prof. Dr H.H.F. Wijffels at the Nieuwspoort Press Centre.

Based on this study, the Netherlands should:

Focus more on prevention and recycling to achieve sustainable waste management.

Opt for an integrated approach to all waste streams, focusing on the highest possible quality use of recovered raw materials in order to realise the great potential of energy saving and CO2 reduction.

In this context, also tackle the issue of overcapacity of waste incinerators and in particular waste incinerators with relatively low energy efficiency.