COLLECTORS, as a CSA, is not focused on generating new knowledge but it is on strengthening the knowledge base. The project has done so by bringing together available information on waste collection systems for three waste streams, i.e. WEEE, paper & packaging waste, and construction & demolition waste. In order to make this strengthened knowledge base widely available, the partners have developed a searchable webportal with information on almost 250 waste collection systems and a knowledge library. In addition, the project has relied on various communication and dissemination activities to inform key stakeholders about the project’s progress, i.e. reports (publicly available online); publication on the report for the general public (e.g. in the newsletter); oral presentation at a (self-organised) conference; direct communication with relevant stakeholders. As this objective is on-going, COLLECTORS will continue this approach also for its up-coming reports.
In addition to strengthen the knowledge base, COLLECTORS has focused on the role of waste collection for the circular economy. By means of various types of assessments of collection systems, the project identified boundary conditions that can be set to improve collection for the recovery of valuable raw materials. In addition, the project assessed key dimensions like societal acceptance, economic performance and environmental impact in order to increase the eventual uptake of better performing systems by local and regional authorities. Collaborations have been initiated with other European platforms. A specific emphasis has been placed on collaboration with on-going European projects, e.g. on waste treatment, circular economy, and raw materials. More than 100 projects have been identified; 30+ have been approached for input and enlisted on the COLLECTORS website; and with 16 direct interactions have been established.
In the second part of the project, the focus will shift to implementation measures for stakeholders and continuation of the platform. In other words, the analyses from the first part will be translated into guidelines and recommendations (policy advice, sharing of knowledge via platform). In combination with the continuation of the communication activities, the project therefore expects positive impacts on the implementation of better performing collection systems, increasing knowledge levels on the relation between collection and the circular economy, introduction of beyond the state of the art R&D&I projects and eventually significant waste reductions.
