Waste
The circular economy act (Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz - KrWG) defines waste as substances or articles which their possessor does, wants to or must dispose of. The circular economy act differentiates between waste that can be recycled and waste that cannot be recycled. Waste that cannot be recycled is waste destined for removal.
The transfer of materials or articles to waste processing or removal is referred to by the KrWG as disposal. Disposal includes renouncing the actual ownership of the waste without any intended further purpose.
Waste is divided in dangerous and non-dangerous waste. Dangerous waste is waste that is defined by the regulation of the federal government with the consent of the Bundesrat. These regulations are based on the hearing of science representatives, persons affected, involved industries, the highest competent regional authorities for waste management as well as communities and community associations. All other waste is not considered dangerous.
Waste management officer
Operators of plants that are subject to approval, of waste disposal sites, hospitals and clinics, wastewater treatment plants and owners and operators of recycling systems can be obliged to appoint a waste management officer in accordance with the waste management act (Abfallbeauftragtenverordnung - AbfBeauftrV). The obliged persons and the members of staff are monitored, advised and informed by the waste management officer in terms of avoiding waste and waste management.
Important topics:
- monitoring the waste routes (generation or supply, recycling or disposal),
- monitoring compliance with legal waste management provisions, laws and regulations by means of regular inspections,
- informing the members of staff about things that are detrimental with the common good and about facilities and measures to prevent them,
- ensuring the development and implementation of environmentally friendly and low-waste processes for avoiding or disposing of waste as well as environmentally friendly and low-waste products,
- improving processes and plants that produce, recycle or dispose of waste.
- The waste management officer informs the obliged person in an annual report about all actions taken and intended to be taken.