Program
Additional results on the following days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
╱╲
9:00
╲╱
09:30
-
10:20
-
10:20
Conference
Managing waste to cool down a warming world?
German RETech Partnership e.V., ISWA, Anja Schwetje Beatrice Decker
Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from dumpsites and landfills are a driver of global warming. Developing waste management systems with separate collection of biowaste and pre-treatment of residual materials not only supports recycling, substitution of fossil fuels, and resource protection - it is also a huge lever to fight climate change.
Partner: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Abfallwirtschaft e.V. (DGAW), German Recycling Technologies and Waste Management Partnership e.V. (German RETech), International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)
Orange Stage (A5)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
10:00
╲╱
10:00
-
12:10
-
12:10
Conference
Truck in Action Show – experience it live!
At IFAT Munich 2026, VAK e.V. will be presenting state-of-the-art municipal and work vehicles – from road sweepers and refuse collection vehicles to specialised technology for pipe and sewer cleaning – live in action at the Truck in Action Show, bringing the future of the industry to life.
The Truck in Action Show (VAK)
Logistics & waste collection
10:15
-
10:45
-
10:45
Conference
Operation of the first self-service recycling yard in Bavaria, in cooperation with Remondis Digital/MAEX. Since June 1, 2024, residents from across the Starnberg district can dispose of their waste and recyclables quickly, easily, and conveniently at the Pöcking recycling yard outside regular opening hours. Appointments are booked via a mobile app.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
10:45
-
11:30
-
11:30
Conference
The presentation provides insights into the implementation of the chatbot “Muckl,” highlights initial experiences from ongoing operations, and addresses topics such as usage statistics, impacts on telephone services, challenges during deployment, and plans for future development.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
11:00
╲╱
11:45
-
12:00
-
12:00
Conference
The second phase of the Vehicle Procurement Act has begun—time for an interim review. How were the quotas met, what challenges arose, and what can be expected in the next stage? The discussion examines legal requirements and practical experiences with alternative drives in the municipal waste management sector.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
12:00
╲╱
12:30
-
13:00
-
13:00
Conference
The VAK Innovation Award 2026 recognises groundbreaking innovations in the field of work equipment and municipal vehicles. Whether technical innovations, digital control systems or organisational concepts – we are looking for solutions that promote sustainability and quality of life in municipalities.
The Truck in Action Show (VAK)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
13:00
╲╱
13:00
-
13:50
-
13:50
Conference
The future of municipal vehicles – alternative drive systems, sustainable production and the circular economy
How sustainable is the future of municipal vehicle technology?
The procurement of municipal vehicles plays a key role in the transition to climate-neutral municipalities. In this panel discussion, we take a look at current developments in the field of alternative drive systems – from e-mobility and hydrogen to hybrid solutions.
The Truck in Action Show (VAK)
Logistics & waste collection
13:00
-
13:30
-
13:30
Conference
Foreign Material Detection on Waste Collection Vehicles Using AI: Initial Practical Experiences
Stefan Elsner
AWM presents the current needs in the area of foreign material detection in organic waste and provides insights into a pilot study evaluating commercially available AI technologies.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
14:00
╲╱
14:00
-
16:10
-
16:10
Conference
Truck in Action Show – experience it live!
At IFAT 2026, the VAK e.V. will present the "Truck in Action Show," showcasing state-of-the-art municipal and commercial vehicles – from sweepers and refuse collection vehicles to specialized equipment for pipe and sewer cleaning – in live operation, bringing the future of the industry to life.
The Truck in Action Show (VAK)
Logistics & waste collection
14:15
-
14:30
-
14:30
Conference
Science Corner: AI-Based Analysis of Infectious Healthcare Waste
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
14:45
-
15:00
-
15:00
Conference
Science Corner: Innovations in the Municipal Vehicle Fleet
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
15:00
╲╱
15:00
-
15:30
-
15:30
Conference
At IFAT 2026, we will present KOMPANEO – “We Ensure Cleanliness!”: the new brand platform for VKU member companies.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
15:30
-
15:50
-
15:50
Conference
Modernizing waste incineration plants offers the opportunity to create future-proof sites that produce CO₂-neutral energy and transform the energy system. David da Silva shares his experience in strategic site development, AI, and sector coupling under the motto "Fit for the Future."
Exhibitor: TBF + Partner AG
Green Stage (C4)
Logistics & waste collection
15:30
-
16:00
-
16:00
Conference
Keynote by Oliver Krischer, Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Best Practices from Three Companies
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
16:00
╲╱
16:00
-
16:15
-
16:15
Conference
A unified, central route management system forms the core of operational control, ensuring fully integrated handling of all relevant processes—from order management and scheduling to vehicle and personnel deployment planning.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
16:15
-
17:05
-
17:05
Conference
Quality of collection: Prevent improper disposal – secure recyclables
Axel Subklew Andreas Bruckschen
What is the current state of the collection system’s quality, how can it be improved, and, above all, how can its long-term sustainability be ensured?
Partner: Federation of the German Waste, Water and Circular Economy Management Industry (BDE)
BDE Stage (A6.241)
Logistics & waste collection
16:15
-
16:30
-
16:30
Conference
Facility Modernization in Focus: New Construction and Expansion of the Bützberg Biogas and Compost Plant
Tanja Böhlke
The facility is being upgraded to the latest technical standards and aligned with current legal requirements. Using the current construction progress as an example, the presentation shows how the plant’s throughput will be increased from approximately 55,000 Mg/year to a future 90,000 Mg/year, and what benefits this brings for efficient and sustainable operations.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
16:30
-
17:20
-
17:20
Conference
Innovative. Smart. AI-driven: Will artificial intelligence revolutionize waste management and street cleaning?
Kristian Kuen
Artificial intelligence is transforming waste management and urban cleanliness: it analyzes data to reduce sorting errors, optimizes route planning, and controls intelligent cleaning systems for efficient public space waste removal. The discussion highlights how AI technologies, combined with data privacy and workforce development, create innovative solutions to make cities cleaner, more sustainable, and more efficient.
Orange Stage (A5)
Logistics & waste collection
16:30
-
16:45
-
16:45
Conference
Route Optimization and Safe Navigation in the Vehicle, Even in Unfamiliar New Terrain
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
16:45
-
17:00
-
17:00
Conference
Presentation of the project “Cash Register System for Recycling Centers” at the Böblingen Waste Management Company, covering everything from the initial concept to implementation, including a look at future requirements.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
╱╲
17:00
╲╱
17:00
-
17:30
-
17:30
Conference
In this presentation, AWM reports on the strategic development and digitalization of its logistics: from the initial requirements gathering and the procurement of a new IT logistics tool to the implementation of the first digitalized processes in bulky waste collection and district planning.
VKU Stage (A5.129)
Logistics & waste collection
