ready. You are currently on: Sorting, sorting, those who try will learn! Sustainability at The Agency for Facility Operations
Sorting, sorting, those who try will learn!
The Agency for Facility Operations aims to generate as little waste as possible across all its buildings. If waste is produced, we sort it as much as possible and ensure it’s recycled into raw materials. Recycling materials is almost always better for the environment than extracting new raw materials. The more packaging we sort, the fewer materials are lost. And the better we sort, the higher the quality of the recycled materials. We also regularly raise awareness among all Flemish government employees to help support these efforts.
Spotlight: Organic Waste at the Belpaire Building
At the Belpaire Building, an innovative system collects organic waste (“swill”) through a closed (vacuum) system with multiple input stations (dishwashing and kitchen), a suction tank, and a central storage tank with ample capacity. The tank also contains a grinder. When full, the tank is connected to the closed system of a tanker truck. The waste is then processed at a biogas plant. This system is odorless and highly hygienic.
Benefits:
Less walking back and forth to the waste room, reduced use of plastic bags, and fewer waste collections.
The end product can be fully digested: digestion completes the cycle by converting organic raw materials into renewable energy (heat and/or electricity) and soil fertilizer.
Up to 10,000 liters can be stored in one tank, significantly reducing the number of collections needed.
Optimal hygiene: no presence of waste or unpleasant odors, and no risk of cross-contamination between dirty and clean areas.
Grinding the waste reduces its volume, lowering disposal costs.
Because it’s a closed circuit, the system does not need to be connected to the wastewater network and operates without water supply.
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This project contributes to the following SDG's
