As part of the general product responsibility regulated by the KrWG, there are special legal regulations for the collection and environmentally sound disposal of certain waste streams (e.g. for packaging, batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, end-of-life vehicles).
These regulations require manufacturers to establish collection systems for the disposal of the corresponding waste and to achieve certain recycling and, in some cases, collection rates. The research project examined whether and how resource conservation and environmental relief potentials can be realized for other waste streams – especially used tires and used textiles – through improved collection and recycling. In addition, other waste streams exist where it is likely that current regulations are not sufficient to realize the recycling potential inherent in these waste streams. Bulky waste, mattresses, furniture, carpets, artificial turf and diapers were identified as such waste streams. The project examined waste streams in terms of collection and recovery practices, identified barriers to resource-efficient waste management, and derived measures to improve prevention, preparation for reuse, and recycling of these waste streams.