Metal recovery from ash: deadline extension for MWIP
Three quarters of the MSWI filter ash produced each year is already treated in such a way that Switzerland can recover the metals it contains. In order to be able to recycle the remaining quantities, additional capacities are needed. As the expansion of the facilities required for this is delayed, the deadline for recovering all metals is extended to January 1, 2026.
Every year, waste incineration plants (MWIP) produce around 80,000 metric tons of filter ash from exhaust air purification. They contain large quantities of recyclable metals such as zinc, copper and lead. Metals are now recovered from around three quarters of this in domestic plants. With this innovative recycling system for metal recovery, the industry is making an important contribution to the circular economy.
Various delays
The expansion of capacity for recovery from the remaining approximately 20,000 tons of filter ash has been delayed for various reasons, including planning and contract negotiations. All this had taken more time than expected. Added to this were the industry's clarifications with the Competition Commission.
However, the two new plants in the waste incineration plants in Basel and Monthey (VS) and the capacity expansion in the waste incineration plant in Zuchwil (SO) would be completed by 2025. For the above reasons, the Federal Council has decided to extend the deadline for recovering the metals until January 1, 2026.
Deposit in landfill only in exceptional cases
Until the aforementioned date, MSWIs may only dispose of untreated filter ash in the approved landfills or compartments if the existing capacities for metal recovery are fully utilized. According to the information, the Federal Office for the Environment, in cooperation with the cantons and the industry, will regularly check whether the requirements are being met. The cantons and the industry are thus under an obligation to use the existing facilities and put the planned facilities into operation as quickly as possible, it said. The Federal Council is aiming for no more untreated filter ash to be deposited in landfills from the beginning of 2026 at the latest.
In this way, Switzerland can advance its pioneering role in this important area for the circular economy and has the opportunity, for example, to produce around 20 percent of the total domestic zinc requirement in its own country, the Federal Council writes in conclusion.
Source: Confederation
