The Mediterranean basin commits itself to bio-waste management
The European project SCOW has promoted the implementation of effective systems of selective
collection of organic waste and the construction of new composting plants in six countries of
the Mediterranean basin. As a result, various territories already benefit from high quality
compost that improves the conditions of its soils, thus closing the cycle of organic matter.
May 2016 - In January 2013, it was initiated the European project SCOW (Selective Collection
of the Organic Waste in Tourist Areas and Valorization in small-scale Composting Plants) which
ended earlier this 2016. The project was coordinated by the Urban Ecology Agency of
Barcelona and had 8 partners from Mediterranean countries: Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Israel
and Palestine. The project was registered in the ENPI CBC Med programme, which aims to
strengthen cooperation between the European Union and the countries located in the
Mediterranean basin.
The objective of the project was that the participating countries implemented in certain areas
of its territory a collection of organic waste in order to be recycled afterwards using a low-cost
solution, technically simple, but of high quality. To achieve this goal, the project defined
systems of innovative and sustainable management of organic matter and the construction of
composting plants of small scale distributed throughout the territory in a decentralized way.
These plants had to be close to the areas of biowaste generation and in zones in which
afterwards could be used the compost obtained through the recycling thereof. The selected
areas were tourist areas with agricultural activity.
The main lines of action were the following:
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The collection of organic waste of high quality thanks to the separation at source.
The implementation of effective and personalized collection systems according to the
idiosyncrasy and habits of each territory.
The construction of decentralized composting facilities of small scale.
The obtaining of quality compost and its subsequent application to crops, orchards and
gardens.
The enhancing of awareness, training and the transfer of know-how.
Thus, the participating countries have implemented different models of management of biowaste, including, on the one hand, collection systems in which emphasizes the promotion of
the door to door model and, on the other, systems of treatment of this waste, with the
creation of 14 small composting installations that will eventually be all at full operation
capacity this year.
The working process has been the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Study of the territory
Selection of the location / design of the relevant model
Commitment of related agents
Construction of composting plants
Introduction of organic waste collection
Operational model and monitoring
The 14 composting plants built thanks to SCOW project have the capacity to manage a total of
8,200 tons of organic waste per year which, when they are fully operational throughout this
2016, will produce 2,300 tons of quality compost which may be used in agriculture and
gardening.
The problems of farmland in Mediterranean countries
These actions get to close the cycle of organic matter, something really important in the
Mediterranean countries since they traditionally present deficit of organic carbon in their soils.
They have problems of erosion and desertification. Fertility is low and land available for
cultivation is lost. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is widespread. Landfills suppose
a significant environmental impact: biogas, leachate, soil occupation. The organic waste that
go to landfill generate methane, which has a significant impact on climate change. In addition,
organic matter, when it mingles with other fractions, dirties materials and makes its recycling
difficult.
Therefore, a good management of organic waste at source is of paramount importance. In
addition, it contributes to the creation of new economic activity around this collection and
treatment of biowaste.
Participant countries and partners
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Urban Ecology Agency of Ecology (leader partner) (Spain - Catalonia)
Development Agency Gal Genovese (Italy)
Local Government Association (Malta)
House of Water and Environment (Palestine)
Upper Galilee Regional Council (Israel)
MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute (Israel)
SYVADEC (SIRET) – (France – Corsica)
Environment Park SpA (Italy)
Other entities also participated as associated, such as the Waste Agency of Catalonia and
ACR+.
The project had a budget of 4.970.000 euros. 90 % of this total is funded by the European
Union through the ENPI (European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument).
Prominent figures of the project
Treatment capacity of the constructed plants
Municipalities involved in the implementation of the project
Citizens involved in selective collection
Large producers (hotels, restaurants, schools, etc.) involved in selective
collection
Farmers involved in the management of plants and/or use of compost
generated
Training sessions that have been carried out
People informed through the activities of communication and
campaigns
Agreements signed to develop the model and ensure its continuity
8.200 tons/year
50
17.719
601
61
94
29.269
90
More information: http://www.biowaste-scow.eu
Composting Plant of Sort (Catalonia, Spain)
1 of the 2 Composting Plants of Palestine (West Bank)
1 of the 3 Composting Plants of Genoa (Marco Polo School, Italy)
Composting Plant of SYVADEC (Corte, Corsica)
1 of the 6 Composting Plants of Upper Galilee (Israel)
Main outputs
A. Database of Good Practices http://www.biowaste-scow.eu/Output-4.2-1
B. Guidelines and protocols for model definition http://www.biowaste-scow.eu/ProjectReports
C. Handbook on small-scale composting facilities management http://www.biowastescow.eu/Handbook-of-facility-management
D. Handbook on compost
Compost-marketing
marketing
E. Educational and communication
Communication-members
hhttp://www.biowaste-scow.eu/Handbook-formaterials
http://www.biowaste-scow.eu/WP2-
F. Protocols for developing campaigns and collection staff training. Protocols for training the
facility managers. Protocols for the use of modular composters http://www.biowastescow.eu/Project-Reports
G. Policy recommendations: Manifesto for proper food waste management in Med Area
http://www.biowaste-scow.eu/Manifesto-for-food-waste-managment
H. Med Compost Network www.medcompost.net
I.
Webgis http://scowproject.envipark.com
J.
SCOW Website: www.biowaste-scow.eu
Meeting point for a better management of organic waste
One of the most important outputs of the project is the launch of the MedCompost Network, a
network at Mediterranean level, which promotes better management of organic waste. The
network has among its main objectives the promotion of practical initiatives that will improve
the management of biowaste; promote communication and exchange among its members and
provide knowledge transfer to the bodies responsible for the management and support. The
idea is to close the cycle of organic matter in a sustainable manner, taking into account the
principles of the circular economy.
More information: http://www.medcompost.net