Every Austrian generates between 500 and 600 kilograms of waste each year. Ensuring that this waste is reliably collected and processed is the result of a highly complex logistics chain—one that is currently undergoing profound change. Increasing waste volumes, economic pressure, and digital technologies are reshaping the rules of the game.

Where is waste management headed? Where does Austria stand on its path toward climate neutrality across the entire sector? And what needs to happen now to remain competitive in the future?

For the first time, three leading voices in the industry—Dr. Alexandra Loidl (President of VÖA), Gabriele Jüly (President of VOEB), and Johann Streif (CEO of STUMMER)—came together for a joint expert interview to discuss the most pressing questions facing waste management today.

Dr. Loidl, VÖA has successfully initiated funding for more than 57 battery-electric collection vehicles, saving over 1,500 tons of CO₂ annually. What are the next milestones on the path to climate-neutral solutions?

Loidl: We need to continue improving collection efficiency, particularly through the targeted use of IT—optimizing routes is a key example—and by consistently transitioning fleets to battery-electric vehicles. Electrification also requires significant investment in infrastructure. In some regions, grid capacity is still insufficient, but we are making good progress in close cooperation with the energy sector.

Streif: I believe around 90% of current diesel drives can be converted to electric, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. We have been supplying bodies for electric vehicles to Switzerland since 2017, where the electric share is now around 90%. In Austria, we are at roughly 20%. The key is to carefully analyze routes, axle configuration, wheelbase, and body volume before purchasing a new vehicle. If system and application do not align, potential remains unused.

Around 35% of residual waste currently consists of biodegradable material. How should this be addressed?

Loidl: This is a crucial issue. We want to harness the potential of bio-waste currently ending up in residual waste—for energy generation in biogas plants and for improving soil quality through composting. The challenge lies in balancing quality and quantity between bio-waste and residual waste streams. We rely heavily on awareness and information campaigns. In the future, scanning technologies on vehicles must be supported effectively. These insights must then be translated into education and incentive systems, including billing structures. This requires targeted IT solutions aligned with municipal requirements.

Jüly: If waste streams are not properly separated, recyclability declines. Quality is the foundation of effective recycling.

At the same time, bio-waste bins often contain materials that do not belong there.

Streif: Yes, waste operators also struggle with contamination in bio-waste, such as metals or other disruptive materials. Higher purity directly improves recyclability. Our assistance systems, SmartScan and DeepScan, can detect such materials. SmartScan uses AI to identify up to 18 different fractions and contaminants. These systems can also be trained for specific use cases—for example, detecting nitrous oxide cartridges in residual waste to prevent damage in incineration plants. This allows operators to respond directly, inform residents, or even leave improperly sorted bins uncollected.

Ms. Jüly, 2025 saw 36 major fires caused by improperly disposed lithium batteries. How urgently do we need a deposit system?

Jüly: We needed a solution yesterday, as the saying goes. Collection rates for lithium batteries must increase significantly. They already account for around 50% of all portable battery mass placed on the market, yet less than 10% has been returned over the past five years. An EU-wide system would be attractive, but implementation is only being reviewed until the end of 2027. The sector does not have that time. Austria has the opportunity to take a pioneering role with a national solution. An incentive system, such as cashback, could be immediately effective and would also include older batteries already in circulation.

VOEB supports the new plastic tax on non-recyclable plastics. Will this be enough to make recyclates competitive again?

Jüly: A plastic tax only makes sense if it has a steering effect. Recycled materials used in packaging must be exempt. There are international examples, such as Spain and the UK. Additionally, a gradual increase in recycling rates should automatically reduce the tax burden. This creates long-term planning security and a clear economic incentive for investment across the entire value chain.

European recycling capacity declined by one million tons in 2025 alone. What legislative action is needed to prevent plant closures in Austria?

Jüly: The closures are driven by economic pressure from cheap virgin materials and low-cost imports of recyclates from third countries—often falsely declared. We need a level playing field: a robust and legally secure framework for equivalence criteria, especially regarding sustainability and quality standards. Measures such as “Made in Europe” requirements for recyclates and the application of industrial electricity pricing to the recycling sector are essential, as it competes directly with primary production.

How is the sector positioned in terms of workforce, and what role do networking events and excursions play in attracting young talent?

Loidl: These formats are essential. At VÖA, we go beyond exchange—we actively work on solutions together. Excursions help create a shared understanding as a basis for further development.

Jüly: The image of waste management has evolved significantly—from simple collection and street cleaning to a high-tech resource management industry. This shift is driven by increasingly complex waste streams and innovation, creating new professional fields. Today, the sector is innovative, resilient, and offers a wide range of career opportunities. With around 31,000 employees and over €9 billion in revenue, it is a key economic sector in Austria.

Back to vehicles: Mr. Streif, you often say that the right configuration is more sustainable than simply buying new. Why?

Streif: Before purchasing, you need to carefully analyze routes, axle configuration, wheelbase, and body volume—and align them with current and future collection volumes. In urban areas with narrow streets and parked cars, a short three-axle chassis with a steered trailing axle and a compact body is often the best choice. Maneuverability is critical for performance.

What role do digitalization and AI play?

Streif: Digitalization will become central—demand-driven route planning, connected vehicles, and avoiding empty runs will increase efficiency. AI is already integrated into our products and services, from person and container detection to bag counting and load compartment monitoring.

How do you ensure long-term resource efficiency through durability and service?

Streif: Service, continuous maintenance, and care are key to durability and low repair costs. Our customer service is available five days a week, nearly around the clock. Telephone support and spare parts availability are the foundation. In the future, service can be tailored to each vehicle, based on wear and the condition of hydraulic oil, saving both costs and resources.

Ms. Jüly, as the first female president of VOEB in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what matters most to you?

Jüly: Visibility and role models are essential. The sector is changing. Initiatives like YOUNG VOEB and trainee programs show a strong female presence. More and more women are becoming visible across all areas—from HR to material flow management to leadership roles.

Loidl: This is also very important to me, both at VÖA and in my role at Holding Graz. We have defined a strategic goal for 2026: fostering a leadership culture that connects generations and actively promotes women into leadership positions.

Looking ahead to 2036: What does your ideal circular economy look like?

Loidl: Success depends on the interaction of all systems—from collection to recycling.

Jüly: And on clear economic frameworks.

Streif: Starting July 1, 2026, new regulations will require all body control systems to be cyber-secure—a real game changer. We also need to expand our work in material and contaminant scanning and inform citizens about sorting behavior via apps. Our goal should be to reduce incorrect sorting in residual waste from 60% to a maximum of 30% within ten years. If we manage to direct valuable materials into the right streams, we will have achieved a great deal.

Interview Participants:

Dr. Alexandra Loidl, Member of the Executive Board of Holding Graz and President of VÖA (Association of Public Waste Management Companies), which represents a total of 39 municipal members, including cities and municipalities. She represents the interests of municipal waste management in Austria—namely cities, municipalities, and their operations responsible for the collection, treatment, and recycling of waste.

Gabriele Jüly, President of the Austrian Association of Waste Management Companies (VOEB). The association represents the interests of private waste management and recycling companies in Austria—covering the private sector side of the industry, in contrast to VÖA. She speaks on behalf of more than 260 private waste management and recycling companies.

Johann Streif, CEO of STUMMER Municipal Vehicles in Bischofshofen. As host and initiator of the interview, he contributes the technological perspective: how vehicles must be designed in the future to drive the transformation of the industry forward.