Rhenus and Geiger Open Waste Handling Facility at Kehl Port

The globally operating logistics service provider Rhenus and the Geiger Group, active in the construction industry, have opened a new waste handling and treatment facility at Kehl Port. As one of the most advanced of its kind in Germany, the facility sets a new standard for working with mineral waste, such as that from road and underground construction.

(Holzwickede/Kehl) Tar-containing materials from road construction and residues in the soil of a gas station: Such construction waste requires special treatment under strict regulations before it can be disposed of or reused. For this purpose, Rhenus and Geiger have opened a new facility in Kehl. With an investment sum of over 5 million euros and state-of-the-art technical equipment, it meets the highest applicable standards and is thus nearly unique in Germany.

The waste, primarily sourced from the region, arrives at the Kehl harbor basin, is processed in the facility – such as being screened, crushed, and homogenized – and is then transported further by truck, train, or ship. To prevent any substances from being released into the environment, the facility is completely enclosed – from the special flooring to the tire washing system to the hall roof. During the transport of the waste via a sealed conveyor belt, air is continuously extracted. The materials are also gently deposited into the ship via a cascade, ensuring that no dust can develop there either.

Transporting Waste Away from the Road

Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Neckar takes care of all handling and water-related services for Geiger. This includes all logistics on-site. Managing Director Uwe Veith describes the significance of the project: “We are opening one of the most modern waste handling and treatment facilities of a trimodal nature in Germany in Kehl. We are thus at the forefront of technology and in a pioneering role: This will be the new standard in the future,” says Veith. As the sole operator of the facility, Geiger is responsible for waste treatment and the comprehensive documentation required due to the complicated approval situation, including the creation of retention samples. “For the strategic direction of the Geiger Group, the location in Kehl with its connection to the Rhine is very significant. This allows us to shift waste transport away from the road and thus significantly save CO₂,” says Martin Haberstock, Technical Business Unit Manager for Waste Management at Geiger.

Seven-Year Planning and Approval Process

After a seven-year planning and approval process, the facility is now commencing operations. Rhenus and Geiger plan to handle an amount of 150,000 to 200,000 tons of waste annually at the facility.

Photo: © Rhenus / Caption: (from left to right): Martin Haberstock, Technical Business Unit Manager for Waste Management at Geiger, Wolfram Britz, Mayor of Kehl, and Uwe Veith, Managing Director of Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Neckar