03 Jun Towards a sustainable future: implementing municipal solid waste shredding

Trend analysis

Analyzing data published in the Municipal Waste Report 2023 by ISPRA, articles from the National Association of Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal Companies, and statistics from the European Parliament on municipal waste management in Europe, a detailed overview is revealed:

Italy

• Municipal waste production: Preliminary data from the 2023 Municipal Waste Report indicate a slight decrease in per capita urban waste production in 2023, with an estimated 498 kg compared to 502 kg in 2021. The total urban waste production is estimated at 35 million tons.
• Municipal waste management: Separate waste collection reached 50.2% in 2023, with a slight increase from 48% in 2021. The percentage of urban waste ending up in landfills has decreased to 17.5%, confirming a downward trend over recent years.

Europe

• Municipal waste production: 2023 Eurostat data are not yet available. However, preliminary estimates indicate an increase in per capita urban waste production in the EU, with an estimated 478 kg. The total urban waste production is estimated at 492 million tons.
• Municipal waste management: Separate waste collection in the EU reached 51% in 2023, up from 49.6% in 2021. The percentage of urban waste in landfills has dropped to 17%, confirming a downward trend at the European level.

Main differences between Italy and Europe

The main difference between Italy and Europe lies in the percentage of urban waste that is recycled or composted. In Italy, this percentage has remained at 48% since 2019, while in the EU it has increased and reached 49.6% in 2021.

Another difference concerns the percentage of urban waste in landfills. In Italy, this percentage is still relatively high at 19% in 2021. In the EU, however, the percentage of urban waste in landfills is decreasing and reached 18.5% in 2021.

Future trends: commitment to sustainability

The European Union is committed to reducing municipal waste production and improving its management. By 2030, the goal is to reduce per capita urban waste production by 50% compared to 2008 levels and to increase the percentage of recycled or composted urban waste to 65%.

To achieve these goals, the EU is promoting policies aimed at reducing resource consumption, promoting material circularity, and improving separate waste collection. Municipal solid waste shredding contributes to these objectives.

The difference between municipal waste and municipal solid waste

The difference between municipal waste and municipal solid waste (abbreviated as MSW) is subtle but significant. Municipal waste includes all waste produced by human activities in municipal areas, including homes, businesses, and industries. Municipal solid waste, on the other hand, is a subcategory of municipal waste that includes non-hazardous, solid, and biodegradable waste.

Municipal waste can be divided into several categories, including:

• Household waste: waste produced by homes, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, organic waste, etc.
• Commercial waste: waste produced by commercial activities, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, organic waste, etc.
• Industrial waste: waste produced by industries, such as hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, solid waste, liquid waste, etc.

Municipal solid waste, on the other hand, can be divided into several categories, including:

• Organic waste: biodegradable waste, such as food, plant scraps, etc.
• Non-recyclable waste: waste that cannot be recycled or composted, such as diapers, medical waste, etc.
• Recyclable waste: waste that can be transformed into new products, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, etc.

The distinction between municipal waste and municipal solid waste is important because it has implications for their management. Municipal solid waste is generally easier to manage compared to other types of municipal waste because it is less hazardous and easier to recover.

Municipal solid waste shredding solution

Based on the statistics and trends emerging from the Municipal Waste Report 2023, articles from the National Association of Waste Treatment, Recovery, and Disposal Companies, and information provided by the European Parliament, it is clear that Europe and Italy are making significant strides in municipal waste management. With the European goal of reducing waste production and significantly increasing the percentage of recycled or composted waste by 2030, it is essential to explore and implement innovative and sustainable solutions that can accelerate the achievement of these goals.

In this context, introducing a solution for the shredding of municipal solid waste presents itself as a promising strategy aligned with the aforementioned objectives. Shredding Municipal solid waste can significantly improve the efficiency of separate waste collection, recycling, and composting, while reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills. This technology allows for the reduction of waste volume, facilitating transport and subsequent management, and can increase the recovery rate of valuable materials contained in the waste.

Innovative solutions by SatrindTech

SatrindTech designs and manufactures municipal solid waste shredding lines, installed in Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world. For example, the line shown in the accompanying image, installed in central-eastern Wales in the county of Powys, is based on a 110kW hydraulic dual-shaft shredder from the 2R150/T series, a discharge conveyor with a rubber belt, and a magnetic separator for de-ironing.

By introducing a solution for the shredding of municipal solid waste, cities and regions can take a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability goals, contributing to the creation of a cleaner and greener future for future generations. This approach not only helps reduce the environmental footprint of waste management but also promotes the circular economy, transforming waste from a problem into a resource.

Expert support and technology presentation

Our commercial team is at your disposal to provide further information and present the wide range of industrial shredders we offer and support you with any waste shredding issues.