VKU steering committee meeting takes place in Jena

This week, Kommunalservice Jena hosted the meeting of the steering committee of the waste and urban cleanliness division of the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU). Around 60 participants from all over Germany came together in Jena over two days. Municipal city cleaning services, waste disposal companies and commercial enterprises from all over Germany were represented.

On Wednesday, January 21, representatives of the VKU and the participants met for a working meeting in a "World Café" format. In several rounds of discussions, the VKU's specialist committees introduced themselves, reviewed their work to date and discussed upcoming topics and necessary improvements to the association's work.

The steering committee of the waste and urban cleanliness division met on Thursday. At the beginning of the meeting, host Uwe Feige welcomed the guests. Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of the VKU, and Dr. Holger Thärichen, Managing Director of the Waste Management and Urban Cleanliness Division, then addressed the participants and introduced the main topics of the day. The deliberations were followed by a tour of the premises of Kommunalservice Jena, during which the participants were given an insight into processes, technology and organization.

The meeting focused on central future topics of the circular economy - including the increased involvement of manufacturers in the area of used textiles, requirements for an optimal and resource-saving vehicle fleet and further strategic decisions for municipal waste management companies.

Uwe Feige, Plant Manager of Kommunalservice Jena, emphasized the importance of the exchange:

"There is no substitute for personal dialog. Especially in times of growing demands on municipal services of general interest, it is important that we share experiences and develop common positions. Only by pooling our expertise and tackling challenges together can we secure the long-term performance of the municipal waste management industry."

Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of the VKU, emphasized the role of municipal companies:

"Municipal waste management and urban cleanliness companies make an indispensable contribution to functioning cities and municipalities. The VKU sees itself as a strong voice for these companies in Berlin and Brussels. Our aim is to help shape the framework conditions in such a way that municipal companies can continue to drive forward public services in an innovative, affordable and sustainable manner in the future."

Kommunalservice Jena provided its multifunctional hall as a conference venue for the event and took care of the on-site organization.