Sorting plant relies on emission-free material handling excavators

in News
TagsEngineering, engineering and equipment, Equipment, Sennebogen

Jul 2

Efficient, electric, and low-emission – the SENNEBOGEN 818 E Elektro has been supporting the waste management company IMOG in Harelbeke, Belgium, with resource-efficient material sorting since October 2024. The all-electric material handler is a central component of the state-of-the-art GV8 sorting plant and helps to optimally process waste streams – for consistent implementation of the circular economy.

Advanced waste management with sustainable technology

IMOG – the Intercommunal Agency for Public Health in South West Flanders – serves 12 municipalities in the West and East Flanders region in the areas of waste prevention, collection, and processing. In recent years, the company has transformed from a traditional landfill into a modern center of excellence for waste processing with an annual throughput of approximately 60,000 tons.

“Environmental legislation has changed dramatically. Today, the focus is on circular solutions rather than pure disposal ,” explains Managing Director Johan Bonnier. “With the investment in our new GV8 plant – approximately €15 million – we are not only increasing our processing capacity but also enabling the recovery of valuable materials.”

Precise pre-sorting according to VLAREMA 8

A large portion of bulky waste and industrial waste used to be directly thermally recycled, resulting in the loss of many recyclable materials. This has fundamentally changed with the commissioning of the GV8 plant . Sorting is now carried out according to the VLAREMA 8 Directive – a legal framework that sets out requirements for the separation, sorting, and recycling of waste.

The sorting is supported by state-of-the-art technology such as drum and wind sifters, infrared detection, magnetic separators, dust extraction – and the SENNEBOGEN 818 E Elektro , supplied by the Belgian sales and service partner SMT.

“The SENNEBOGEN 818 E Electric is not only emission-free, but also ensures a quieter, cleaner working environment – ideal for indoor use.”

Charlotte Martens

Head of the GV8 facility

Electric material handling machine impresses in the hall

“In the tender process, the SENNEBOGEN 818 E best met all of our requirements – load capacity, grapple performance , and maneuverability were crucial,” says Bonnier. “And as the saying goes, ‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating’ – the machine impresses day after day in operation . “

The electrically operated handling machine reliably supplies the sorting system with material and scores points with the hydraulically height-adjustable cabin , which allows a direct view into the feeding hopper.

The emission-free drive is particularly advantageous for use in the hall , adds Charlotte Martens, head of the GV8 facility: “This ensures a cleaner, quieter , and more pleasant working environment – a real plus for our team.”

CIRCULAR ECONOMY TAKES IT FURTHER – Contribution to CO₂ reduction

“Our goal is to convert up to 50% of waste into recyclable materials – from wood, paper, and cardboard to plastics and metals,” explains Bonnier. “What remains is used to generate energy. In this way, we are making an active contribution to CO₂ reduction and closing material cycles.”

Another plus: The project will create new jobs. The plant’s team is currently being expanded to up to 18 employees – with targeted training from SMT on how to operate the equipment safely and efficiently. Bonnier is certain: “The electric material handler is an important piece of the puzzle on our path to more sustainable waste management.”

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Reliable in continuous operation: The 818 E Electric also masters dust-intensive hall areas.