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102-0338-01L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-ARCH , D-BAUG , D-GESS

Waste Management and Circular Economy

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Mélanie Haupt, Dr. Maja Wiprächtiger, Dr. Vanessa Burg

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:57

Abstract

Understanding the fundamental concepts of advanced waste management and circular economy and, in more detail, on biological processes for waste treatment. Application of concepts on various waste streams, including household and industrial waste streams. Insights into environmental aspects of different waste treatment technologies and waste economy.

Objective

The purpose of this course is to study the fundamental concepts of waste management in Switzerland and globally and learn about new concepts such as Circular Economy. In-depth knowledge on biological processes for waste treatments should be acquired and applied in case studies. Based on this course, you should be able to understand national waste management strategies and related treatment technologies. Treatment plants and valorization concepts for biomass and organic waste should be understood. Furthermore, future designs of waste treatment processes can be evaluated using basic process understanding and knowledge obtained from the current literature.

Content

National waste management Waste as a resource Circular Economy Assessment tools for waste management strategies Plastic recycling Organic Wastes in Switzerland Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Composting process technologies Organic Waste Hygiene Product Quality & Use Waste Economy and environmental aspects

Resources

Lecture Notes

HandoutsExercises based on literature

Literature

Deublein, D. and Steinhauser, A. (2011): Biogas from Waste and Renewable Resources: An Introduction. 2nd Edition, Wiley VCH, Weinheim. --> One of the leading books on the subject of anaerobic digestion and biogas, covering all aspects from biochemical and microbial basics to planning and running of biogas plants as well as different technology concepts and biogas upgrade & utilization. Haupt, M., C. Vadenbo, and S. Hellweg. 2017. Do We Have the Right Performance Indicators for the Circular Economy?: Insight into the Swiss Waste Management System. Journal of Industrial Ecology 21(3): 615–627. Haupt, M. and S. Hellweg. 2019. Measuring the environmental sustainability of a circular economy. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators Volumes 1–2, September 2019, 100005. More information about biowaste treatment in Switzerland ( www.cvis.ch ) and Europe (www.compostnetwork.info and www.ecn-qas.eu )

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

There will be three graded submissions distributed throughout the semester. The first and second element are written reports. The final element is a written exam. The final course grade is calculated as a weighted average of these three exams, each contributing 33%. To obtain the credits a grade of 4.0 must be reached in this weighted average. If you miss the exam you will need a certified medical excuse or prior instructor approval, otherwise a grade of 1.0 will be given for the exam. In the case of a missed exam with excuse/approval, an alternative date will be set for the exam. If you submit the first graded element you are not allowed to withdraw from the course anymore and it will count as your first attempt. If your average grade is below a 4.0 you must retake this course (or at least the three graded elements) the next time this course is offered.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Waste Management and Circular Economy	Mon 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 7)	2 h weekly