The Circular Economy Analysis Centre and composting plant at MATE
About this good practice
Every year, 30 million tonnes of agricultural waste and 1.5 million tons of kitchen and green waste are generated in Hungary. MATE has set the goal to explore, analyse, define the necessary steps and measures for the transition to a CE, using the university knowledge base on the Szent István Campus in Gödöllő, in order to reduce and recycle agricultural and green waste.
The project provided professional and financial support for R&D that promotes agricultural innovation in Hungary and thus facilitates the establishment of circular and biomass-based agriculture, hence the need to establish the Circular Economy Analysis Centre. Beneficiaries:
• students and researchers: unique opportunities for education and research,
• Hungarian agricultural sector: farmers and agricultural businesses benefit from the development and implementation of innovative, sustainable practices that reduce and recycle agricultural waste, promoting circular and biomass-based agriculture,
• government and policy makers: it contributes to the reform of domestic legislative and support systems,
• local community and environment: the reduction and recycling of agricultural waste contribute to a cleaner environment, while the demonstration projects (i.e. replacing fertilisers with compost) help raise awareness and education on sustainable practices,
• energy sector: the use of bio-waste for energy purposes, such as heating greenhouses with biomass boilers, supports the development of renewable energy sources.
Resources needed
EUR 2.3 million EU funding and EUR 370 thousand national funding for:
• decentralised composting facilities
• community composting facilities (including bins)
• personnel cost - project implementation and scientific research
Evidence of success
50 tons of bio-waste from dormitories, 60 tons from a horticultural training farm, 200 tons green waste from parks, and 1800 tons of organic manure from livestock farms are collected.
R&D: 8 small publications have been released, and 3 community composting units installed for waste management, education and research.
Demonstration: 110 university students in waste management, 50-60 international delegates have visited, and there are ongoing discussions with local schools for class visits.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Circular Economy Analysis Centre and composting plant offer valuable insights for other regions. They manage all campus bio-waste, transforming it into valuable resources, reducing external disposal needs. The integration of education and research provides hands-on experience and promotes innovation in waste management. Community engagement through composting and demonstrations raises sustainability awareness. The project benefits farmers by implementing sustainable agricultural practices and supports renewable energy by using bio-waste for heating. It aids policymakers in developing effective circular economy policies. The Centre researches advanced bio-waste management technologies like aerobic treatment, anaerobic digestion, bio-hydrogen production, hydrothermal carbonization, and plasma technology. This holistic, replicable model integrates education, community, technology, and policy for sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
