Vienna approves plans for new waste treatment plant in Donaustadt

The Vienna Environmental Committee has approved the planning phase for a new waste treatment plant in the Donaustadt district. The project is driven by projected population growth, with Vienna’s inhabitants expected to reach approximately 2.4 million by 2055, particularly in the Floridsdorf and Donaustadt areas.

Located near the Rautenweg landfill, the facility will process residual and bulky waste. Unlike Vienna’s three existing major plants, this new facility will include a sorting stage to extract recyclables such as plastics and metals before incineration. The heat generated during the process will be converted into electricity and thermal energy for local households.

The project aligns with upcoming European Union mandates regarding mandatory recycling quotas set for 2035. Construction is scheduled to begin no earlier than 2030, with operations expected to start in 2034, ahead of necessary renovations for the Flötzersteig and Spittelau plants. The city has budgeted 13.7 million euros for planning, studies, and expert reports.