A site visit to Ιnterzero and Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) facilities in Berlin was organised by the German RETech Partnership e.V. (RETech) on 22/11/2024. Representative of the Department of Environment and other international experts explored the two innovative waste treatment facilities: the lightweight packaging sorting facility by Interzero and the biogas plant operated by BSR (RETech member).

At the Interzero waste treatment facility, we observed how packaging waste from Berlin is sorted using advanced technologies such as infrared, vacuum and magnets. This impressive operation supported by 2000 employees to manage up to 140.000 tons of packaging waste annually, sorting it into valuable resources for the circular economy. The recyclables (plastic, metal and paper) are stored by the historic Berlin Walls that moved to the facility after the demolition! More information about the company that managed by ALBA and has over 30 years of experience in the development and implementation of serviceable solutions for the prevention and recycling of waste is provided on the website: https://www.interzero.de/en/

At the BSR’s biogas waste treatment facility, we learned how organic waste is transformed into biogas through fermentation. This biogas fuels 165 waste collection vehicles (50% of the BSR’s fleet) and generates electricity and heat to meet the needs of approximately 12% and 8%, respectively, of the Berlin’s households. The process creates a continuous cycle, linking organic waste to sustainable energy as biogas is directly used to refuel the BSR trucks that collect the organic waste. More information about the model municipal company that is one of the largest employers  in Berlin, with over 6,200 employees is provided on the website: https://www.bsr.de/

It was really inspiring to see these innovative systems in action!