Biowaste management and potential for biomethane production through public involvement: A case study City of Zagreb

The improvement of waste management systems is one of the main challenges for most EU member states, and it should be done in line with current legal obligations set in different EU directives. Implementation of sustainable waste management in Zagreb should be performed through the introduction of source-separation of waste, and its utilization. One of the aspects is usage of biowaste as a feedstock for biomethane production. Produced biomethane could be distributed by dedicated network of filling stations within City area. The main objective of paper is presentation of environmental and economic benefits of proposed approach and citizen’s involvement in separate collection of waste from households. In this sense, a survey has been conducted among residents in order to assess their behaviours regarding the separate collection of waste fractions. The main motivation is the reduction of waste fee, creation of new jobs, stimulation of local economy and biofuel production. This paper presented the fact that paper/cardboard, glass and packaging are most suitable waste fractions for separate collection, while biowaste is most demanding due to odours issue and lack of space. Finally, large majority of the citizens are willing and motivated to participate in the process of waste separation.