Biogenic residues
Sustainable bioeconomy through the correct use of biogenic residues
Biogenic waste is natural, organic waste from green spaces, including but not limited to tree prunings, shrubs or rootstocks. Basically, this type of waste can be recycled by composting or by thermal utilization.
It is important to use organic waste and residual materials in order to make bioeconomy sustainable. The technical potential of these residual materials is high, they can be used both as energy sources or as input materials.
Source: www.wko.at
High-value use as
renewable energy source
Since land is a scant resource, the availability of biomass for use as renewable energy source is limited. The aim, therefore, is to use biogenic waste and residues for this purpose.
Source: Biogenic Residues: BioRest: Availability and utilization options of biogenic waste and residues in the energy system (electricity, heat, and transport)In addition to its use as energy source, with which renewable electricity and heat can be produced in biogas plants, biogenic waste can also be used to produce compost.
Source: FAQ on organic waste bags. C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V., Central Agricultural Commodity Marketing and Energy Network. 2018In Austria, approximately 3,080,000 tonnes of biogenic waste were collected in 2019 and 2,828,000 tonnes were processed. Composting plants processed about 868,000 tonnes of this waste, and biogas plants processed about 468,000 tonnes. Approximately 173,000 tonnes were turned into biodiesel in recycling plants and 77,000 tonnes (mainly non-municipal sludge) were used in brick manufacturing processes. Around 91,000 tonnes were treated in mechanical-biological plants.
Source: Federal Waste Management Plan 2022 Figure 51: Treatment of biogenic waste 2019, BAWP 2022, P. 198The Federal Waste Management Plan differentiates between three waste groups:
- Separately collected ("single-source") biogenic waste (e.g. "organic waste garbage can", garden waste and park waste, grass cuttings/leaves)
- other separately collected biogenic waste (e.g. various organic slurries, edible oils and fats, grease separator contents and screenings)
- biogenic waste contained in mixed municipal and commercial waste
(according to the 2018/2019 evaluation of the residual waste composition in Austria, the biogenic fraction contained in mixed municipal and commercial waste accounts for 33% approximately).