9. Wastes—Collection, Sorting, and Preparation for Recycling

Chapter 9 focuses on the contribution of collection and logistics, sorting and waste management to the development of a circular plastics economy as presented in the waste segment of the circuit diagram. The basic prerequisite for utilising plastic waste as a raw material is the separate collection of as much waste as possible in the private and commercial sectors with the highest possible purity, so that the largest possible homogeneous mass flows are created. This poses numerous challenges for waste logistics. As mixed waste predominates, particularly in the private sector, sorting the collected waste plays a decisive role. To this end, sophisticated optical sorting technologies are being developed at full speed and corresponding investments are being made in the recycling industry. Further progress is being made through the increased use of artificial intelligence methods. The aim in all areas of waste and resource management is to increase yields and qualities in order to provide the market with the required quantities and ensure fulfilment of the recyclate usage quotas required by law. These aspects are analysed from the perspective of science, method development and a large waste management company.