Zero-waste scheme gaining traction in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is increasingly working towards a zero-waste lifestyle, or so-called circular economy. The city is presenting 23 projects aimed towards this goal. "Amsterdam will be the first city in the world to prove that a circular economy is possible and profitable", the city said in a press statement on Wednesday.

Resources are becoming more and more scarce and the world population just keeps growing. And the current economy is focused on consumption - raw materials are used to make a product, which is thrown away after its use, according to the city. Amsterdam wants to break this cycle with its circular economy, in which raw materials are constantly recycled and energy is generate sustainably.

Many of the 23 projects focused on a zero-waste lifestyle are centered around the construction industry. This industry imports and exports large amounts of materials into and out of the city, and many of these materials can be reused. When demolishing and reconstructing a municipal building, more attention will be paid on what materials can be reused, instead of thrown away. The city will also develop a "materials passport" for buildings, so that anyone can see what a building is made of and what can be used again if the building is demolished.

The city is also working with other parties in these projects. Waternet in Buiksloterham is working with a local bio-digester. AEB is investigating how waste aromatics can be used in the chemical industry. And knowledge institutes like Amsterdam Metropolitan Solutions and HvA are researching innovations that in the coming years can help make a circular economy in Amsterdam a reality.