Step closer to the valorisation of non-recyclable bulky waste fractions

Even though significant proportion of bulky waste is suitable for quality recycling, there are also some fractions for which no recycling solutions are suitable at this stage. The project partner BPP is a step closer to presenting a profitable option to valorise these fractions. For this purpose, a pilot plant has been built and it is currently running trials whose first results are promising.

Even though significant proportion of bulky waste is suitable for quality recycling, there are also some fractions for which no recycling solutions are suitable at this stage. The URBANREC project partner BPP is in charge of the construction of a pilot plant, specifically built to present a profitable option. The plant will be capable to add value to the non-recyclable bulky waste fractions, converting them into a Technical Grade Poly-Methylal – a multipurpose chemical solvent that can also be used as an additive to improve conventional and nonconventional fuels.

Image 1: BPP pilot plant

Currently, the pilot plant is running trials for the production of Poly-Methylal and the first results are very promising.

In collaboration with the URBANREC partners Ecofrag (ES), Vanheede (BE) and Aimplas (ES), the bulky waste fractions used in the trials is a mixture of PUR foam, textile, hard plastic, wood, carpets, latex and tyre rubber.

Image 2: Mixture of the material used in the first trials

Chemical and physical analyses of the end product as well as the by-products and emissions, are being carried out for Life Cycle Assessment by project partner Aimplas (ES) and external laboratories. Depending on the results further improvements can be considered.

New approaches for the valorisation of URBAN bulky waste into high added value RECycled products