Aboard the recycling raft

Researchers from the Institute of Waste Management and Circular Economy at TU Dresden have been working on a raft made of plastic waste for almost three years. Ordinary packaging waste, which was pressed into the desired shape in a special process, was joined by hard plastic drums from a car repair shop for the necessary buoyancy and other reused materials, such as old climbing ropes.

On 7 June, the raft HMS Recyclo, which was created in cooperation with the Department of Hydrosciences, set off with researchers on board in the direction of Magdeburg, which they hope to reach in five daily stages. Dr. Kristin Kerst from the Chair of Process Engineering in Hydro Systems is also on board.

On the way, water samples will be taken and analysed later. The isotopes found and other standard parameters will then provide information about the condition of the water body. Of particular interest is the influence of the Elbe's tributary waters on the river.

The trip has already aroused interest in the regional media, so there are articles and videos to watch here.