Composting in the framework of the EU landfill directive

The EU directive on the landfill of waste will initiate far-reaching changes in the field of waste management. In most of the member states drastic measures will become necessary to comply the required limit values of biodegradable wastes in landfills within the given time frame (2006-2016). On the basis of a research project on behalf of the European Union, the paper gives an overview of the state of composting and biowaste treatment in the European Union. Aerobic and anaerobic technologies are described and the quantities of treated biowaste shown. The main target of this project was to calculate scenarios for wastes from waste treatment operations with regard to future waste management measures. The effects of the biological treatment on the waste management and the quantity and quality of waste are described. Beside the status quo of composting, this chapter also shows measures which must be taken by the EU Member States to meet the EU limit values. Both the mechanical-biological pretreatment of residual waste and the composting of separately collected organic waste or backyard composting will play a decisive role.