Objectives

The primary objective of LOWaste is to decrease the local production of waste through the development of a market for recycled products. The project aims to act both on the supply side, creating the conditions necessary to intercept and exploit the materials that can be reused, recycled and put back on the market, and on the demand side, supporting GPP and promoting green buying by citizens, cooperatives and companies.

This is more specific goals, such as:

  • Developing a market for the products of “second life” that can be replicated in other contexts;
  • Disseminate knowledge and information on the prevention, reuse and recycling;
  • Increase the awareness of consumers, retailers, manufacturers and local authorities about the possibility of reducing waste by reusing or buying green products;
  • Create social benefits through the involvement of cooperatives working in the field of waste treatment and construction of eco-design and implement rehabilitation programs and job placement for people in need.

The European project LIFE LOWaste aims at the reduction of the volume of waste locally produced by developing a market for reused and recycled products.

The project operates both on the supply side, by creating the conditions to intercept and give value to materials that can be reused and/or recycled and then put back in the market, and on the demand side, by promoting GPP – Green Public Procurement, and by finding instruments to boost “Green” purchasing.

Partnership agreements between the different stakeholders guarantee the success of the process.

 

EXPECTED RESULTS

The project LOWaste aims to achieve concrete results that can be divided into four main categories:

1. ENVIRONMENTAL RESULTS

  • effective reduction of waste produced locally and resources saving;
  • increase of recovered materials;
  • increased recycling at the local level;
  • reduction of CO2 emissions due to the lower amount of waste disposed of in landfills;
  • increased use of GPP by the local authorities;
  • increasing use by companies of recycled materials;
  • decrease in the use of raw materials in industrial processes;
  • decrease in the use of other resources for industrial production (water, energy, etc.).

2. TECHNICAL RESULTS
The project involves the application of eco-design as a way to reintroduce the products made in the market.

3. FINANCIAL RESULTS
The involvement of local companies in the market will increase the awareness of their role in the area.

4. SOCIAL OUTCOMES
The direct involvement of cooperatives in the development and creation of products will help to facilitate the employment of disadvantaged people.