ECOLOGICAL BENEFIT

106,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided

The environmental benefits of thermal recycling are primarily derived from the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials and the conservation of finite natural resources. By recovering metals from incineration bottom ash, thermal recycling contributes significantly to resource efficiency, the circular economy, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

These environmental benefits can be quantified using indicators such as avoided CO₂ emissions and reduced environmental impact, expressed as Eco-Points (UBP).

In 2025, the recovery of metals from dry bottom ash avoided approximately 106,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared with the production of the same quantities of metals from primary raw materials.

This corresponds to the annual CO₂ emissions of approximately 25,000 households.

The recovery of metals from dry bottom ash is therefore recognised as one of the most environmentally and economically efficient measures for conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting a circular economy. 

Further literature 
Study on the ecological assessment of metal recovery from dry MSWI slag by ZAV Recycling AG. 
Authors: Jonas Mehr, Dr. Melanie Haupt, Prof. Stefanie Hellweg, ETH Zurich Institute of Environmental Engineering, Ecological System Design Group 
  
Email: stefanie.hellweg(at)ifu.baug.ethz.ch 2020