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Application form for European Green Capital Award 2 016

7. Production and management of waste

7A. Present Situation Describe the present situation in relation to waste production and management, including any relevant disadvantages or constraints resulting from historical, geographical and/or socio-economic factors which may have influenced this indicator area. Where available information should be provided from previous years (5 – 10) to show trends. Include details on:

1. Waste Strategies or Plans in place; 2. Waste Prevention Measures; 3. Amount of waste household and municipal generated per capita; 4. Proportion of total waste sent to landfill; 5. Proportion of biodegradable waste sent to landfill; 6. Existing thermal treatment or similar: localisation and energy recovery; 7. Percentage of recycled municipal waste; 8. Recycling and/or recovery rates for Packaging waste; 9. Types of waste collected separately and extent of roll-out (% coverage) of source separated

collection systems; 10. How separately collected waste is treated; 11. Application of the “polluter pays” principle, including “pay as you throw” (PAYT) initiatives.

(max. 600 words) The public company Snaga has been removing waste and cleaning Ljubljana and its surrounding municipalities for almost 100 years. The company is part of public company Public Holding Ljubljana, the majority owner of which is the City of Ljubljana (87.3%).

Objectives of the Snaga Strategic Plan 2012–2016, the Waste Managemen t Programme for 2012 and the Waste Management Programme for 2013 is to:

• reduce the production of waste and increase recycling and reuse; • continue to adapt waste collection services to citizens' needs; • further the separation of waste in public areas, outdoor events and workplace; • introduce a tariff system and the "polluter pays" principle (realised through a change in billing in

2013).

Ambitious plans exceeded in 2012 Each year we prepare a Municipal Waste Management Programme with measurable indicators. In 2012 we exceeded plans for the collection of organic waste by 14,6% and separately collected fractions by 1,4%. In 2012 we collected 100,053 tons of waste (255,7 kg/inhabitant), of which 46,949 tonnes (167 kg/inhabitant) was separately collected and separated. We achieved 47% material recovery of waste, which is better than we planned. All quantities relate to waste collected in households.

The system for the collection and transport of municipal solid waste (residual waste) covers 99% of Ljubljana residents . We empty containers three times a week (city centre), once a week (areas of mainly high-rise housing) or once every three weeks (areas of mainly individual houses). Thirty-three teams empty 31,500 containers at around 26,000 pick -up points.

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Total residual mixed municipal solid waste was 296 kg/inhabitant in 2009 , 280 kg/inhabitant in 2010 (result of September floods), 216.7 kg/inhabitant in 2011 and 187.7 kg/inhabitant in 2012 . Our aim is to reduce it below 150 kg/inhabitant by 2016 and most likely we’ll achieve it already in 2013.

Disposal of waste The main goal is to ensure that non-hazardous permanent disposal of municipal solid waste is only used as an emergency measure . We’re achieving this goal through:

• upgrading the waste collection system (separation of waste at origin, users use own containers for packaging and optionally for paper from 2012 or 2013)

• upgrading of Regional Waste Management Centre (residual waste processing by 2015).

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Organic waste – collection at origin 94% of residents are included in the organic waste collection system. The containers are emptied twice a week (city centre) or once a week (other areas). In 2011 we collected 66,45 kg/inhabitant of organic waste and we plan to collect 80 kg/inhabitant by 2016. With the increase in separately collected organic waste, the share of waste that goes to landfill is constantly falling.

Waste recycling In 2012 we achieved 47% of waste recycling. In June 2013 separately collected waste accounted for 53% of waste collected/inhabitant . In 2016 we’ll achieve or even exceed 60% of separately collected and separated waste.

Separate and collecting waste The system is a combination of a delivery system and the collection of waste “at your doorstep”.

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Processing before landfill and separation of the li ght fraction and delivery for production of fuel from waste In 2013 we introduced temporary processing of residual mixed admissible solid waste before sending it to landfill. The first results indicate that we’ll eliminate 30–40% of all waste destined for landfill. The light fraction separated from temporary processing is sent to a plant for the production of fuel from waste. The “polluter pays” principle and “PAYT” initiatives is reflected in the price of service, which depends on the size of the containers for mixed municipal and biodegradable waste.

7B. Past Performance Describe the measures implemented over the last five to ten years for improving waste management. Comment on which measures have been most effective. Make reference to:

1. Measures or programmes which have promoted waste prevention; 2. Reduction of the amount of waste produced; 3. Type and scale of infrastructure put in place to manage waste; 4. How residual waste is managed including the amount of waste sent to landfills, particularly

biodegradable waste. (max. 1200 words) Measures to prevent the generation of waste Since 2013 the annual Waste Management Programme is focused on: reducing the quantity of waste food and extending the life cycle of objects. In 2013 we began an intensive communication campaign (websites, Facebook, neighbourhood events, online campaign…), which we’ll continue to intensify. Infrastructure will begin to be established in 2014. Through the planned opening of a reuse centre, connections with tradesmen and artisans and pop-up collection centres in every neighbourhood of Ljubljana at least twice each season.

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Reduction in the amount of waste Measures are defined in the Operational Programme for Waste Management 2009–201 3 and the annual Municipal Waste Management Programme .

Waste generated per capita fell by 31 kg in 2012 compared to 2011 (406 kg in 2009, 407 kg in 2010, 385 kg in 2011 and 354 kg in 2012). The reduction in quantities is a consequence of more easily accessible infrastructure (among other things door-to-door collection of packaging and paper) and intensive communication activities.

Packaging – collection at origin There’re 26,733 containers for packaging at 24,183 pick-up points. In 2012 the quantity of collected packaging was 24,40 kg/inhabitant. We expect to increase it to 35 kg/inhabitant by the end of 2013 and by 2016 to 55 kg/inhabitant.

Organic waste – collection at origin Waste is collected in 19,165 containers at 15,944 pick-up points. In 2011 we collected 66,45 kg/inhabitant of organic waste and in 2016 we plan to collect 80 kg/inhabitant.

Separate fractions (packaging, paper and glass) – " bring" system We’ve set up collection points in 2,535 locations. In 2012 we collected 18,458 tonnes of separate fractions (16,684 tonnes in 2011), which amounts to 65.22 kg/inhabitant . By 2016 we’ll increased it by 20%.

Hazardous waste – "bring" system In 2012 we collected 111 tonnes of hazardous waste from households, while by 2016 we’ll increase it by 10%.

Electrical/electronic equipment – “bring” system Bulky waste – collection at origin and “bring” syst em Thanks to precise sorting, only unsuitable bulky ends up in landfill. Waste for recycling – collection centre Citizens sort waste or used items in 30 different containers (solid iron, green waste, car tyres…).

Collection and recycling of waste grave candles Cemeteries have special containers for waste grave candles (as well as special containers for waste flowers, soil, packaging and municipal solid waste). The collected candles – 348 tonnes per year – are handed over to waste candle management schemes. These recycle the candles in 3 recycling plants in Slovenia.

In 2013 we strengthened the collecting of clothing, footwear, textiles and toys in the collection centre . In cooperation with schools and citizens we’re collecting kitchenware, school essentials and redirecting them to mothers' centres, homeless centres, etc. The plan is to become an entry point at the municipal level for items that can be directed for reuse either via social enterprise (online and physical shops selling repaired used items) or by donating footwear, textiles, etc. to charity organisations.

Modern waste management infrastructure This year we’ve introduced a simpler and more user-friendly method of collecting packaging which will increase the quantities collected. Using their own bins/containers outside their buildings, residents collect residual waste, biological waste, packaging and paper. For this system we invested €3 million. We also collect packaging at collection points or eco-islands situated in public areas.

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Underground collection points Since 2008 we’ve been replacing ordinary containers in the centre of Ljubljana with underground collection points , thus rationalising waste management and improving the appearance of the city. Glass, packaging and paper can be deposited by anyone, while a card is required to deposit organic and residual waste (available free of charge to all household users living in the area). There’re currently 47 of underground collection points in the city, with a further 40 planned. Investment for the 44 collection points was €5,443,912 by 2012. We estimate a further €5 million is needed to compl ete the project . It has proved to be extremely successful as we’re presenting it to other cities as an example o f good practice .

Mobile collection point It’s a special vehicle for the collection of hazardous waste, equipped with a multimedia information system designed to receive and transmit data, identify users, weigh waste and store data. Citizens can bring small items of waste electrical and electronic equipment to the mobile collection point.

Barje non-hazardous waste landfill Located on the edge of the city, the Barje non-hazardous waste landfill consists of five landfill cells, a landfill gas power plant, an environmental measuring station, a leachate treatment plant, a laboratory in which we measure basic water parameters, and a centre for the collection of waste destined for recycling.

Management of residual waste and organic waste Organic waste is processed in the KOTO biogas plant in Ljubljana, producing electricity and heat. Residual waste is mechanically and manually processed before dumping. The material for recycling is separated from the mass of residual waste in the landfill cell itself. Additional mechanical equipment for the separation of the light fraction from residual municipal solid waste began operating in 2013. Following separation of the light fraction from residual municipal solid waste, waste is transported to the landfill location and landfilled with the help of a compactor.

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Leachate treatment plant Using the new treatment plant (in use since 2010 as part of the upgrading of the Regional Waste Management Centre), polluted leachate is biologically and chemically treated so that it can be discharged into the sewerage system. We treat up to 640 m3 of leachate/day. The technological process includes biological treatment with additional ultrafiltration, activated carbon adsorption and boron-selective ion exchange. Biogas for electricity With the help of collectors (gas vents) we also collect biogas or landfill gas, formed during the waste decomposition process. Each year we collect 12 million m3 of biogas, which is transformed in a gas power plant into electricity (with a capacity of 4 MW, we generate over 21 million kWh of electricity annually). The energy obtained meets all the power needs of the landfill while the remainder – the greater part – goes to the electricity network.

Communication with citizens/users Our communication programme is based on tools and activities that enable citizens to: - quickly and rapidly obtain information, answers, tips and guidelines about all aspects of waste management via their preferred channel; - learn about the philosophy of waste generation prevention and reuse of waste and incorporate it into their lifestyle; - be proactive by providing feedback, opinions and acting as good practice ambassadors in their local, social, professional or generational environment.

a) Information, education and awareness-raising: tw o websites, active Facebook page: informative publications for all households, posters and notices in multi-dwelling buildings, notices on waste containers, radio and online campaigns, etc.

b) Direct communication and support for citizens: User support and help centre (by phone, e-mails, letters), open days, events with mascot at the collection centre, in shopping centres, etc., practical demonstrations of separation for residents of multi-dwelling buildings, participation in various events in individual neighbourhoods and district communities.

c) Cooperation with NGOs, associations, etc.: garage sales, second-hand clothes, etc.; the concept of social enterprise and reuse, Ecologists Without Borders, clean-up campaigns ("For a More Beautiful Ljubljana" since 2001), participation in cultural and artistic activities, etc.

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d) Activities for children and young people with Dragon mascot, designed to appeal to children.

7C. Future plans

Describe the short and long term objectives for waste production and management and the proposed approach for their achievement. Emphasise to what extent plans are supported by commitments, budget allocations, and monitoring and performance evaluation schemes. Make reference to:

1. Constraints – economic, scale, institutional; 2. Measures to improve statistical data on waste collection & treatment; 3. Waste prevention and awareness initiatives; 4. Quality of recycling, and by type i.e. glass, paper etc; 5. Waste collection charges; 6. Measures to promote public participation; 7. Measures to meet EU legislation.

(max. 800 words)

The prevention of waste generation is an objective we’re following, while taking into account the short-term objectives based on European legislation:

a) reduction of the share of waste that goes to landfill – processing facilities as part of the upgrading of the Regional Waste Management Centre (RCERO),

to reduce the quantity of landfill waste to less than 15% of all waste generated,

b) reduction of the quantity of waste generated by more than 3% per year.

In the long term we’ll continue to increase the share of waste for reuse, recycling and heat production, through reduction of the share of landfill waste. We want to send less than 1% of waste to landfill.

We’ll achieve these through: • developed infrastructure (upgrading of RCERO and a modern network of collection centres and

reuse centres) • active participation of the public and dialogue with stakeholders.

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The key projects in Ljubljana are : a) Upgrading RCERO Ljubljana, which is the biggest Cohesion Fund and environmental project in Slovenia. The upgrade comprises: the construction of disposal fields for non-hazardous waste (regular operating since 2009), the construction of the treatment plant for leachate water treatment (regular operating since 2011) and the construction of waste processing facilities. Trial operation is set for 2015, with regular operations in September 2016. Mechanical-biological facilities for waste processing consist of: 1. Processing of residual mixed household waste from manufacturing, small business and service

activities (150,000 t/year) 2. Preparation of solid fuel (60,000 t/year) 3. Processing of separately collected biodegradable household waste (21,000 t/year) All three technological subcategories will be in separate locations. Logistical connections are guaranteed between the mechanical separation of the light fraction of mixed waste and the preparation of secondary fuel, as are infrastructure connections in the selection of process waters and thermal energy surpluses. In the use of thermal energy, connection is planned with existing sources of thermal energy surpluses from existing gas generators or landfill-gas-powered engines. All these facilities will guarantee that after processing there will remain 20% of the waste on the site which is not possible to use as a raw material or energy source. The value of the project (2010-2015) is €155 million and is financed from :

• Cohesion Fund (65.88%) • State budget (14%) • Environmental taxes (10.11%) • City of Ljubljana and 33 co-investor municipalities (10%).

The RCERO will have the capacity to solve the waste of 600,000 inhabitants – 30% of the total population of Slovenia – for the next 30 to 40 year s.

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b.) To reduce the quantity of waste that goes to landfill, we’re preparing a project to build a waste-to-energy facility that conforms to European and national legislation. It’s an important project as it represents the use of local renewable energy sources (pre-processed waste) to co-generate heat (145 GWh/a) and electricity (20 GWh/a). A 30 MWt plant is planned, which corresponds to the quantity and structure of residual waste from the RCERO and includes dried sludge from the biological treatment plant . We estimate that the share of renewable energy sources in the structure of waste will be 40% by 2016. The plant will be connected to the district heating system. We’ll also ensure modern treatment of emissions (dioxins, nitrogen oxides). The project is the responsibility of the State but we’ve already identified two possible locations in Ljubljana.

Restrictions and obstacles to (faster) achieving th e objectives are mainly administrative for example obtaining permits for the construction and operation of new infrastructure at the national level.

We’ll continue to: • increase the number of collection points for separate fractions, • expand the system of collection of organic waste and include inhabitants who currently compost

biodegradable waste themselves, • additionally adapt the frequency of removal of individual types of waste for the needs of citizens

and thus motivate them to increase waste separation at origin.

We also plan to open three new collection centres by 2014 , since we wish to improve the collection of hazardous waste.

We’ll reduce the costs of waste collection through : • a change in the method of waste collection, which we’re already introducing, with new collection

points, containers, timetables • optimisation of the routes of waste collection vehicles with the specialised software

The quality of recycling depends on the type of material: recycled paper is equivalent to the original, most glass is used for less demanding products, the processing of packaging is organised as locally as possible, while waste electrical/electronic equipment is recycled in other European countries.

Awareness programmes, communication with citizens a nd public participation are based on motivational campaigns that will contribute to change consumption and behaviour in order to reduce the generation of waste (food waste) and increasing the reuse of electrical/electronic equipment and hazardous waste.

Reuse centres We’ll open the first Reuse Centre in Ljubljana in November 2013. Citizens will submit and buy various items for symbolic prices – including restored and artistically recycled items or attend workshops.

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7D. References List supporting documentation, adding links where possible. Further detail may be requested during the clarification phase. Documentation should not be forwarded at this stage. (max. 400 words)

� Decree on the collection and transport of municipal waste, 2012, http://www.uradni-

list.si/1/content?id=108530

� Draft Operational Programme for Municipal Waste Management

http://www.arhiv.mop.gov.si/fileadmin/mop.gov.si/pageuploads/dokumenti/op_komunalni_odpad

ki_osnutek.pdf

� Operational Programme for Waste Management 2009–2013

� Strategic Plan of public company Snaga d.o.o. 2012–2016.

� Municipal Waste Management Programme 2012

� Municipal Waste Management Programme

� Communication Plan 2013–2014.

� Annual reports (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011). http://www.jhl.si/snaga/predstavitev/letno-

porocilo

� Summary of Environmental Protection Programme 2007–2013 – "Ready for Tomorrow" (in

English):http://www.ljubljana.si/en/living-in-ljubljana/focus/73844/detail.html

� Public Holding Company Ljubljana website (in English): http://www.jhl.si/en

� Facebook: www.facebook.com/snagaljubljana

� Snaga website (in English): http://www.jhl.si/en/snaga

� "Moji odpadki" (My Waste) website (in Slovene): www.mojiodpadki.si

� RCERO Ljubljana website (in Slovene): http://www.rcero-ljubljana.eu/

� "RCERO Ljubljana Upgrade" (news item in English), 27.9.2012:

http://www.ljubljana.si/en/municipality/news/79406/detail.html

� Recyclers of waste grave candles: http://www.ekoplastkom.si/; https://sl-

si.facebook.com/PlastkomDoo; http://www.navodnik.si/

� Plant for the production of fuel from waste: http://surovina.si/