Why recycling matters.

Paper, cardboard and glass are good recyclable waste products. Consumers are obliged to collect these three types of waste, plus plastics. This regulation is set out in the current Luxembourg Waste Management Act of 2012.

Generally speaking, almost all separately-collected waste products are recyclable with a few exceptions, such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides. With this in mind, the Luxembourg government published its own zero-waste strategy last autumn with the aim of reducing non-recyclable waste to zero.

SDK has developed a resource potential tool that makes it possible to review the amount of secondary raw materials produced by recycling processes, i.e. how ‘good’ the recycling process is. This kind of tool is essential for creating a circular economy.

‘Good’ recycling processes are those that preserve our resources and – as the energy required to use secondary raw materials is also lower – protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

However, we must not forget that preventing and reusing waste must remain our first priority. Refilling toner cartridges is a great example.

The term ‘recycling’ includes a wide range of recovery processes. However, closed-loop systems involving glass, metal and, to a large extent, paper and cardboard, are seen as particularly positive. The best example are new glass bottles, produced from old ones.

In the case of what is known as ‘downcycling’, which is particularly common for plastics that cannot be sorted into distinct types, the secondary raw materials are used to manufacture inferior products. After their 'second lives’, these products can be thermally recycled, which means they are incinerated to generate energy. However, this is not a proper closed-loop system.

It does not always make sense to recycle at all costs, particularly when it comes to composite materials or mixed products. Tools such as the PCDS (Product Circularity Data Sheet) indicates how easily a product can be recycled. As a matter of fact, the Ministère de l’Economie (Ministry of Economy) recently introduced the tool.

Without wishing to offend Germany, this is not generally the case. Germany's leading position is partially due to differences in statistical reporting methods, which are gradually being standardised at EU level.

With a household waste recycling rate of 49% in 2019, Luxembourg was above the EU average. Given that Luxembourg’s statistics are based on better data than in other countries, it is reasonable to assume that we are among the top performers in this area. We are, for example, well ahead of Germany when it comes to waste material such as batteries and electronics.

Thus, the EU Commission recently cited Luxembourg as a leader in solving waste problems.  

A deposit-based return system already exists in some areas such as beer and soft drinks. The government is also reconsidering whether to introduce a return system for wine bottles, which would require a central bottle cleaning facility.

Due to Luxembourg’s position as a transit country and the high number of cross-border commuters, no deposits for disposable packaging have been introduced in the Grand-Duchy. A solo effort to introduce a deposit system for disposable packaging at national level would be extremely costly and fraught with problems. Currently, Luxembourg is working with Belgium and the Netherlands to find a common solution.

We still regularly come up against preconceptions that recycling is useless as, ultimately, waste is mixed. However, the general level of knowledge within the population has increased significantly in recent years, and a growing number of people now realise that climate protection, energy, resource consumption and even biodiversity are all closely linked.

The business world has also recognised that the circular economy is a valuable economic and environmental tool for enabling their companies to continue operating in an age of scarce resources.

Prejudices against recycling are generally based on misinformation, which means that education is vital.

For example, SDK is working with the Luxembourg Consumer Association (ULC), applying a variety of PR tools and conducting targeted campaigns.

The SDK Academy works closely with the Luxembourg Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de l’Enfance et de la Jeunesse (Ministry of Education, Children and Youth) and other educational institutions to offer informative content aimed at children, young people and adults.

Of course, it is also important to raise awareness among all employees of the companies and institutions associated with the ‘SDK fir Betriber’ waste management initiative.

Preventing waste, consuming sustainably and reducing our carbon footprint does not mean we have to do without the things we love. On the contrary, consuming consciously, mindfully and in harmony with nature and the environment can make us happier. It also means we can live up to the expectations of our children, grandchildren and future generations.