Smart Waste Management

February 23, 2016

Citiscope recently posted a great article about the transformation of Ljubljana [luˈblàːna] into a green city. The relatively small Slovenia capital of 287,000 residents was named by the European Commission as the European Green Capital for 2016. 

One reason for the recognition is that the city has virtually eliminated cars from its downtown core; only pedestrians, bicycles, and buses are allowed. There’s an electric taxi service called Kavilir which provides free rides for the elderly, disabled, or mothers with children. There’s also an underground garage located just outside of the car-free zone for people who live in the city or are traveling there.

The green city label has proved effective as a marketing tool for increasing tourism. Reportedly, business and tourism is thriving in the car-free zone despite initial fears that the elimination of auto traffic would be bad for business in the city’s commercial sector. And city residents have embraced the undertaking. There are even “Green Capital” events and activities planned for throughout the year—starting with “Smart Waste Month”, celebrated in January. 

According to Citiscope, Ljubljana’s mayor Zoran Janković led the “green” charge with a long-range plan for improving the quality of life in the city. Called Vision 2025, the plan laid out goals for a more sustainable transportation system, green space conservation, and waste management.

Europe’s First Zero Waste Capital

Ljubljana is the first capital in Europe to declare a zero waste goal. The city’s residents and businesses successfully divert 61% of its municipal waste through recycling, far higher that the EU average level of source separation at 42%. The city’s goal is to reach 78% diversion by 2025.

According to a case study recently posted by Zero Waste Europe, “Ljubljana has avoided incineration, while proving that going towards zero waste is completely feasible in a very short time. At the same time, it has made once again evident that effective door-to-door separate collection doesn’t only fall in the realm of small villages, but also works in large cities. Ljubljana has, therefore, managed to become the best performing EU capital, keeping one of the lowest waste management cost in Europe.”

Collection bins for residual waste, biological waste, packaging and paper are located around the city. The city’s recent adoption of underground collection points is proving effective as a waste management option. Material is deposited in above ground containers leading to underground storage for later collection. Glass, packaging (cans), and paper bins are open for anyone to use. An electronic card is required for depositing organic and residual waste (available free of charge to all residents living in the area). In an effort to reduce wasted food, the electronic card is equipped with a microchip allowing residents to deposit only a certain amount of organics per week.

There are currently 47 underground collection points in the city, with a further 40 planned. In addition, there are more than 2,500 other collection points around the city, which consist of three color-coded containers for paper and cardboard. Thousands of additional containers have been placed around the city as well, for packaging (at some 24,000 collection points) and organics (at some 16,000 collection points). According to the city’s website, the system has proved successful for diverting waste and has helped to keep the city clean.

The city’s website states that its Waste Management Program is focused on “reducing the quantity of waste food and extending the life cycle of objects.” In 2013 the city undertook an intensive communication campaign using website promotion, Facebook, neighborhood events, and an online campaign.

Household hazardous waste and electrical/electronic equipment are collected at drop points around the city, as well at a central recycling center. At the center, residents sort recyclables or usable items in 30 different containers (including scrap metals, yard trimmings, and tires). Reuse is encouraged for bulky waste, which is collected both curbside and at the recycling collection center.

At the collection center, clothing, footwear, textiles, toys, kitchenware, school supplies, and other materials are collected for distribution to charity organizations. Plans for promoting more reuse through repair, by establishing social enterprises, are also underway.

A reuse center, called the “Library of Things” was opened to promote the sharing or renting of items, such as tools or sporting equipment.

With inspiration and action taken by various cultural associations and neighborhood residents, an abandoned construction site was converted into an urban garden. The land is owned by the city, which has allowed the gardening to continue.

 “Green” vacation destination anyone?!

Perhaps there’s a need for a materials management travel agency…

 By Athena Lee Bradley