Research

As part of national measures to promote the circular economy and reduce environmental impact, the introduction of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) system for textiles is of central importance. The aim is to strengthen prevention and contribute to a transition to a circular economy by increasing the amount of textiles collected separately, as well as the amount of textiles reused, and by recycling textiles that cannot be reused or repaired. In Austria, textiles as municipal waste fall within the regulatory competence of the federal states, so the collection structures are designed differently. The preservation of well-functioning national structures, in which the municipality is responsible as a partner for municipal collection, is a central concern. The core objective of the project is to develop an in-depth study on the practical design and implementation of an EPR system for textiles. In particular, the study will analyse legal and organisational aspects and develop recommendations for action for national implementation on the basis of existing European requirements. The following research questions have to be answered, specifically • which form of an EPR system is best suited to implement the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive in Austria and how the organisation and distribution of responsibilities should be designed taking into account the stakeholders, whereby the system variants fund model, manufacturer-supported model, systems in competition and contract model in analogy with existing systems in Austria (e.g. the Austrian EPR system for waste electrical and electronic equipment) be called upon, • which design elements of established international EPR systems, e.g. for textiles in France and mattresses in Belgium, can be sensibly transferred to Austria, • how the municipal structures for the collection of textiles in Austria can be integrated into the EPR system in the best possible way, • how to optimise system efficiency, taking into account the costs and indicators of the Impact Impact Assessment (EFA) and how to make the greatest possible use of digitalisation via neutral interfaces, in order to reduce administrative burden and costs, and • which factors have a positive effect on an increase in the proportion of re-use.

This project examines the occupational health and safety risks associated with nanoparticle emissions during the mechanical recycling of end-of-life car tires that contain single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The research focuses on determining whether, and in what quantities, nanofibers and other ultra-fine particles are released during end-of-life processes such as mechanical treatment and shredding of car tires. To achieve this, tire tread materials—both with and without SWCNTs—are mechanically processed into various sized output fractions. Particle emissions are monitored using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, 10–420 nm) and an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, 0.3–10 µm). The results will include a description of the comminution process, an assessment of the theoretical recycling potential, and an evaluation of the measured aerosol emissions, along with a workplace assessment focusing on ultra-fine particles.

The EU Circular Economy Package stipulates significantly higher recycling rates than are currently achieved in Austria – this poses a major challenge, particularly in urban areas. Various studies have already identified key parameters that explain significant differences in terms of both quantity and composition as well as collection rates. These include state legal frameworks, the local waste management situation, socioeconomic factors, and the structure of the waste disposal area. The aim of the study is to * analyze the relationships between urban settlement structures and the achievable collection rates for waste materials, * identify explanatory factors for differences between (large) urban and other settlement structures and, if possible, quantify them, and * compile scientifically sound, comprehensible statements on this subject.