The Federal Environment Agency's publication "Urban Mining" was published in July 2017 and explains the possibilities of extracting raw materials in urban areas, for example from buildings, infrastructure and durable consumer and capital goods. While waste management is essentially concerned with the volume of waste, urban mining looks at the total stock of durable goods. The aim is to forecast future material flows as early as possible and to develop and establish the best possible recycling routes on this basis.
According to the Federal Environment Agency, five key questions on urban mining need to be answered at an early stage so that the potential of this concept can be strategically realised. Questions were identified regarding the location, nature and release of anthropogenic deposits, the players involved and the technical, logistical and organisational requirements.
The brochure is intended to convey an understanding of urban mining and to encourage the pursuit of this strategic approach. The Federal Environment Agency is striving for a strategic and interdisciplinary approach to urban mining.
download pdf of the 72-page UBA brochure
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