Who we are
The European Landfill Association (ELA) represents landfill operators across Europe. Founding members are the national associations of landfill operators of Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, Interessengemeinschaft Deutsche Deponiebetreiber e.V. (InwesD), Vereniging Afvalbedrijven and Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband (ÖWAV). ELA aims to unite landfill operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share best practices in landfill management. The association focuses on promoting environmentally responsible landfill operations and addressing common challenges within the sector. A key goal is to end the landfilling of organic waste in Europe and reduce harmful methane emissions from landfills. ELA invites all European associations of landfill operators to join its efforts in advocating for sustainable landfill practices and safety improvements.
Mission statement
At the European Landfill Association, we are dedicated to transforming landfill management practices across Europe. Our mission is to prevent the landfilling of organic waste, a significant contributor to climate-damaging methane emissions. We advocate for the treatment of organic materials before landfilling. Landfill gases have to be treated to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases and protect our climate. By fostering collaboration among national landfill associations of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), policymakers, and the public, we aim to create a circular economy that minimizes environmental impact and enhances resource efficiency. Together, we strive to protect our planet for future generations while providing a safe and emission-free pollutant sink for materials that cannot be recycled.
About
Although there is an increasing focus on recycling as much waste as possible, not all materials are currently being recycled. In particular, mineral wastes are frequently sent to landfills. Additionally, various sectors of our economy and consumer society generate contaminated waste. Circular economy also means that contaminated materials must be removed from the cycle. Landfills act as „pollutant sinks,“ where these materials can be stored safely to prevent environmental harm. This disposal option is essential for industries and businesses, as well as for homeowners or property developers undertaking renovations. As long as this type of waste continues to be produced, landfills will remain necessary.
Board of Directors, from left: Dr. Daniel Resch (Vice President ELA and Director ÖWAV), Hartmut Haeming (President ELA and Chairman InwesD / AVG Köln ) and Bjorn Hamal (Vice President ELA and Operations Director Mineralz-Renewi
Our members
Members of ELA are organizations that represent (part of) the owners and/or operators of landfills in a European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state, who are committed to and actively support ELA’s objectives: separate collection of organic waste for composting and fermentation + no landfilling of organic materials + active measures to reduce the generation and emission of climate-damaging landfill gases to a minimum. Individual owners and operators of landfills can become members of ELA if they are not member of the national organization of landfill operators/owners or the respective national organization is not a member of ELA. Our founding members are the national associations of landfill operators of Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, Interessengemeinschaft Deutsche Deponiebetreiber e.V. (InwesD), Vereniging Afvalbedrijven and Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband (ÖWAV). We invite all national associations of landfill owners and operators of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to join us in our mission to make landfills safer and less emissive.
