Today, the European Landfill Association (ELA) that represents European landfill operators was founded in Cologne. ELA aims to unite landfill operators, policymakers, and stakeholders from the landfill sector to foster collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for innovative solutions in landfill management. The national associations of landfill operators of Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, Interessengemeinschaft Deutsche Deponiebetreiber e.V. (InwesD), Nederlandse Vereniging Afvalbedrijven (DWMA) and Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband (ÖWAV) are founding members of the new European umbrella organization.
European voice for landfills
The founding members of the European Landfill Association have great expertise within the landfill sector. This new association will serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, addressing common challenges, and promoting environmentally responsible landfill operations. ELA is the European voice for landfills and invites all national associations and organizations representing landfill operators to join its efforts in promoting sustainable landfill practices.
Methane contributes 28 times more to global warming than CO2
Major aim of the European Landfill Association is to cooperate on a European level in all matters related to landfills, in particular to end the landfilling of organic waste in Europe and to ensure that efforts are made across all member states to prevent the generation of harmful landfill gases. Landfill gas consists primarily of methane, which contributes 28 times more to global warming than CO2. Since organic landfill material produces considerable amounts of methane in the absence of oxygen, this practice must finally be stopped in the European Union. Make landfills safer The newly founded European Landfill Association will engage in activities that make landfills safer. Of particular importance will be the definition of the best available techniques (BAT) within the framework of the LAN BREF of the EU Commission. The aim must be to ensure that the requirements of the European Landfill Regulation, which already provides for a landfill ban on untreated municipal waste, are no longer undermined by exceptions and extended to all types of waste.
Hartmut Haeming, President ELA: “Today we have laid the foundation for making European landfills safer, more sustainable and less emissive. We invite all national landfill associations to join us and shape the European landfills of tomorrow!”.
Björn Hamal, Vice President ELA: “We have multiple issues at the European level, such as the discussion on the inclusion of landfills in the EU ETS, which requires the coordination of the associations of the member states. We are very much looking forward to working together on these matters within ELA.”
Dr. Daniel Resch, Vice President ELA: “International networking in particular will also help in day-to-day business, as we can benefit and learn from the experience of other members.”
Photo, free of rights
(Photo) On Oct. 24, the European Landfill Association (ELA) was founded in Cologne. 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) (photo: Apostolos Stilos).
Interessengemeinschaft Deutsche Deponiebetreiber e.V. (InwesD)
The Interest group of German landfill operators (InwesD) represents landfill owners and operators of surface landfills throughout Germany. With more than 100 members, InwesD is the voice of landfills in Germany and advocates for sustainable landfill management practices, effective regulatory frameworks, and the definition of best practices for landfills to minimize environmental impact. InwesD also focuses on promoting research and innovation in waste treatment technologies regarding landfills. www.inwesd.de
Dutch Waste Management Association (DWMA)
With head office in ’s-Hertogenbosch and a European office in Brussels, the Dutch Waste Management Association (DWMA) represents the national and international interests of waste companies active in the Netherlands. With more than 50 members, DWMA is an important discussion partner for government departments, regional and local authorities and other organizations. DWMA represents all active landfills in the Netherlands. www.verenigingafvalbedrijven.nl
Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband (ÖWAV)
The Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV) represents the entire spectrum of water and waste management in Austria. ÖWAV provides a sector network and a neutral and independent platform for all specialized experts and involved professional groups as well as up-to-date information and a balance of interests in the national water, wastewater and waste management. Among the 2.000 members of ÖWAV are public administrations, municipal services, private sectors and universities. www.oewav.at