Around 600 trucks full of solid waste are incinerated in the greater Amsterdam region daily. The residue from this incineration process is known as bottom ash. If separated properly, the ash can provide valuable metal and mineral resources that can be used as a raw material input. However, the ash must be cooled by wet extraction making it sticky and difficult to separate its components. Due to the complicated separation process the ash is usually sent to landfills where the valuable materials within the mixture become useless.
Inashco's team realized that the extensive amount of value being disposed of each day could be reintroduced into the supply chain if the metals and minerals were extracted properly from the incinerator's ash residue.
“With our strong fundament of shareholders and partners, Inashco has the capabilities and ambition to close the loop of the Waste to Energy sector and so reducing the need for primary mining.” - Arno de la Haye, CEO, Inashco
Founded 8 years ago, in close cooperation with the Technical University Delft, Inashco developed a breakthrough technology which separates metal particles, such as aluminum, copper, and iron, from the ash based on weight. A magnetic current then categorizes the metals based on their magnetic properties. The resulting stable, long-lasting, metal scraps and stronger, more porous cement mixtures meet the reusability requirements established by local laws allowing for these recycled materials to be continuously circulated throughout the supply chain.
https://vimeo.com/174175783
Operating worldwide with over 200 employees, Inashco's team now processes over 4 million tonnes of bottom ash from municipal waste incineration annually. Valuable metals and minerals are reintroduced into the supply chain, preserving our earth’ valuable natural resources and thanks to Inashco’s technology, landfilling is no longer needed to dispose of the City of Amsterdam’s waste.
The process has maximized the output of urban mine’s, eliminating sludge being sent to landfills, reducing CO2 emissions by bringing valuable raw materials back into the economy and creating recycling jobs, thus providing a comprehensive positive impact on the economic, environmental and social spheres of the industry.
“We believe that the key to success is the combination of advanced technology and the access to metal markets worldwide.” - Business Development Director, Inashco
[hr]
[cta link="http://www.circle-economy.com/membership/" ]I'm a changemaker![/cta]
[hr]