Abstract
Abstract
Based on a recent survey of German composting plants an evaluation of costs and benefits of composting was attempted. In this regard, several economical, ecological and legal aspects and some interrelations are discussed in this paper. A special emphasis is placed on the fees and compost prices of composting plants. It is also shown how the legal framework provides the economic basis for composting in Germany, how economical and ecological costs and benefits could be assessed, and why it is so difficult to determine the value of composting.
Highlights
► Often the outcome of an assessment is mainly influenced by the chosen objective. ► Sound comparisons of technologies are unlikely. ► Expensive composting plants rely more on waste fees than on compost sales. ► The average compost price is at around four Euro per Mg compost.
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