Waste Intelligence

Purpose and goal

The project has investigated the need for new measurement methods and information management for a more effective handling of waste along the entire waste management chain. Focus has been put on gathering information by contacts with companies and branch organizations within the field of recycling of metals and electronic waste. Information has been gathered to understand where measurement systems for characterization, identification and tracking will have the largest impact. We have identified several material streams with large potential for beneficial improvements.

Results and expected effects

The project has identified several processes and material flows where improved measurement methods can give better material information and through improved separation create more pure material fractions. Improved sorting can often result in double gains since there is an increased value in purer fractions but also a reduced cost in avoiding the wrong material ending up as a pollutant in the wrong process. Several interesting cases have been identified, but we are still lacking a broad and general project idea that is suitable for a continued UDI-project.

Approach and implementation

The project group has held regular meetings during the project to follow up on activities and drive the project forward. The project group has gathered information from companies and branch organizations to understand the needs and to get ideas for further project activities. We have investigated new and current measurement techniques for sorting and classification of recycled material. We have analyzed the gathered material and worked with the development of a broad and strong project definition for a continued UDI-project.