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ENVIRONMENT

New coffee capsule recycling scheme to start in Austria

Austrians love their coffee - in fact they drink an average of three cups per day, according to research. But coffee capsules, which are used in coffee machines, are currently often not disposed of properly. So on October 1st, a new recycling initiative will start. 

Published: 29 September 2023 16:05 CEST
New coffee capsule recycling scheme to start in Austria

Coffee lovers can hand in aluminum and plastic capsules, as well as home-compostable capsules of all brands, in specially designed containers at all waste collection centers in Upper Austria, Krems-Land and Schwechat. In addition, purple bins are available as a collection point in Schwechat.

The project is set to last until the end of March 2024 and is supported by the Coffee Association as well as the capsule manufacturers Costa Coffee, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Nestlé, Billa, Segafredo, Tchibo and Eduscho.

Dr. Johann Brunner, Managing Director of the Austrian Coffee and Tea Association called it a ‘groundbreaking project for resource conservation and underlines the collective efforts of companies and consumers to create a more environmentally friendly future’.

After the capsules have been handed over, they are sorted professionally and the aluminum or plastic is separated from the coffee residue in order to prepare them for subsequent recycling. The recycled aluminum can be reused for bicycles, pocket knives and soda cans or for new capsules. The plastic material is also recycled and used in new products, while coffee grounds can also be used for other purposes. 

READ ALSO: How to drink coffee like an Austrian

Member comments

  1. Hi Family Local! I have been a subscriber for some years and you will know from correspondence rather crestfallen over the fact that actual daily news is restricted to a three article template. However, good news from me, this monthly digest concept is a friendly marvel and I would raise my hand to its further continuation. THX ! Naturely, I will continue to pray for an increase in price for a increase in daily news and little special news article segments devoted to exposing commerce in Austria

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VIENNA

Vienna reveals new plan for how to move away from gas heating

Authorities in Vienna want to replace the city's 600,000 gas heating systems with greener alternatives and have presented a plan for how they will do it.

Published: 7 May 2024 16:25 CEST
Vienna reveals new plan for how to move away from gas heating

The “Vienna Heat Plan 2024” was presented this week which outlines a concrete strategy for replacing the city’s 600,000 currently installed gas heating systems with renewable energy alternatives.

Vienna has committed to ending its reliance on fossil fuels for heating and hot water by 2040.

As part of this goal, the capital wants to replace around 600,000 gas heating systems with renewable energy alternatives. On Monday May 8th the city presented the “Vienna Heat Plan 2024”, providing a clear plan for this transition.

The plan considers all buildings in the urban area and identifies where it is possible to expanding district heating, referring to a centralised heating system which efficiently serve multiple buildings.

The goal is to make district heating completely climate-neutral by 2040. Additionally, the plan also identifies areas where alternative solutions may be necessary, reported ORF.

The plan divides areas in three categories 

The areas in Vienna have been categorised into three groups based on demand and local conditions.

The first category include areas where district heating is most suitable.

The second category refers to areas with good potential for local heating networks. These networks can accommodate smaller, localised heating systems that serve buildings located close to each other. Additionally, the third category includes areas where individual climate-neutral heating solutions are needed for single buildings or properties, ensuring necessary adjustment to specific needs of a property.

Additional divisions within these groups have been made, considering factors like existing district heating connections and the possibility of expansion. The city wants to expand the district heating network to cover 1,700 kilometres in the future, according to Vienna.at.

READ ALSO: Austria climate activist aims to take fight to Brussels

Geothermal energy planned to be used in outer districts

The areas selected for local heating networks are mainly situated in the outer districts of the city. In those areas authorities plan to use geothermal energy, heat derived from the Earth’s core. Through the use of heat pumps, the plan is to supply heat to multiple buildings simultaneously, reported ORF.

READ NEXT: Vast Vienna wastewater heat pumps showcase EU climate drive

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