Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) has been a component of zero waste initiatives throughout Europe for more than 25 years. North American communities can benefit from the lessons learned from Europe.

MBT treatment can afford more flexibility for a community. Recovery of recylables such as cardboard, paper, and plastic can reach as high as 10 percent, especially in more modern facilities. Metal recovery can be a high as three percent.

One major lesson is that compost from MBT systems tends to be too poor for agricultural applications. In addition, diversion rates are too low without supplementing with energy recovery.