EU obligations on the separate collection of biowaste came into force at the end of 2023, aiming at increasing the availability of source-separated biowaste for composting and anaerobic digestion. In order to support the development of best practices in biowaste management and ensure the production of high-quality compost and digestate for soil applications—while minimising negative environmental impacts and effectively closing the nutrient loop—a comprehensive analysis of biowaste management strategies, instruments, and schemes was required. This need was particularly relevant given the substantial disparities in practices and performance across EU Member States.
The LIFE BIOBEST project addressed this challenge by identifying and validating best practices (BPs) and management instruments along the entire biowaste management chain, from generation over treatment to products. The project established a set of reference Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on the systematic analysis of existing databases and practical experiences. Through interconnected co-creation meetings with key stakeholders and sector experts, the project developed solutions to overcome identified technical, regulatory, economic, and environmental barriers to the wider adoption of these best practices.
A comprehensive EU-wide guidance document was developed, together with two decision-support tree tools for local and regional authorities. These tools supported the adaptation of biowaste management models to specific local contexts and provided feasible best practices and management instruments to promote efficient collection and the recycling of biowaste into high-quality compost and digestate.
Based on detailed analyses of input materials, treatment practices, and resulting compost and digestate quality, the project developed a proposal for European standards for biological waste entering composting and anaerobic digestion. This proposal aimed to promote certification schemes for materials and treatment processes, ensuring optimal management and the safe return of nutrients to soils.
Overall, LIFE BIOBEST continues to contribute to significant improvements in biowaste management, leading to higher quantities and purity of input materials, reduced process losses, and enhanced conversion of biowaste into high-quality compost and digestate.
PROJECT OUTPUTS
CONSORTIUM AND FUNDING
The LIFE BIOBEST project was implemented from January 2023 to June 2025 as a 2.5-year LIFE Preparatory Project funded by the European Commission.
The Consortium is led by Fundació ENT and composed by Consorzio Italiano Compostatori, ACR+, European Compost Network and Zero Waste Europe.