The COLLECTORS project: identifying good practices in waste collection and sorting
The COLLECTORS project (waste COLLECTiOn systems assessed and good pRacticeS identified) was a Horizon 2020 project which ran from 2017 to 2020. It identified good practices in waste collection and sorting, focusing on paper and packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and construction and demolition. It aimed to harmonise information on systems, gain insights into performance and help decision-makers improve systems by building capacity and establishing guidelines.
The project:
- developed an inventory of waste practices with 242 waste collection systems;
- identified and analysed relevant case studies, considering both specific, local contexts (tourism activity and local gross domestic product) and the performance of the collection systems (capture rates)
- developed practical guidelines for decision-makers in local and regional authorities, producer responsibility organisations, and national and EU institutions. The guidelines highlight effective practices and instruments in high-quality recycling, ways to overcome local, specific challenges, and environmental and economic benefits that can be achieved by improving waste collection systems.
The project engaged with stakeholders across the value chain, including key decision makers and individuals. Focus groups discussed effective (and innovative) measures to incentivise individuals to participate in waste collection.
The COLLECTORS web platform: an online database documenting the organisation and performance of 242 European waste collection systems.
The waste library, which lists reports on different aspects of local municipal waste management, including regulation, organisation, statistics, environmental and social aspects and costs, and covers 24 countries.
The COLLECTORS guidelines, which provide recommendations for local waste collection systems to better assess their situation and improve performance. They include practical recommendations and illustrations of how local systems succeeded in tackling challenges and improving performance.
The COLLECTORS policy recommendations, which list proposals for improving national and regional framework conditions.