Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Circular Economy in Practice

Representatives of the Circular MuSe project partners and STG ERB member municipalities took part in the first day of a study visit in Kalmar, Sweden, on 29 September. The meeting focused on practical circular economy solutions applied in municipal services – from the reuse of materials and items to the recovery and management of sludge.

The first day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting, organised on 29–30 September 2026, gave participants an opportunity to see how circular solutions are being implemented at the city level and within local public services.

Circular Economy at the City Level

The programme began with a presentation of Kalmar Municipality’s approach to the circular economy. The discussions focused primarily on solutions that can be implemented by local authorities and municipal service providers. An important part of the meeting was the exchange of experiences and the opportunity to discuss the practical aspects of how such services operate.

Representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic also took part in the study visit. This made it possible to analyse the solutions presented in Sweden from the perspective of their potential use and adaptation by Polish local authorities.

From Used Materials to Sports Equipment

The next part of the day focused on specific examples of circular services available to residents and local businesses.

Participants visited Återbruket, a municipal facility that collects and resells used building materials, doors, windows and furniture for both private and office use.

Another example was Fritidsbanken, which operates as a “leisure bank”. Residents can borrow sports and recreational equipment free of charge for up to 14 days.

The programme also included a visit to VIKAB, a city-owned workshop providing services tailored to the needs of businesses, such as refurbishing workwear and repairing furniture, with a particular focus on corporate social responsibility.

Sludge as a Resource

Another important focus of the first day was the removal and reuse of sludge in municipal services.

During a visit to Malmfjärden Bay, participants learned about low-flow sludge removal technology, solutions for semi-passive sludge dewatering, and examples of its potential reuse.

The study visit also included the Skogstorp and Kalmar Dämme sedimentation ponds. Discussions covered factors affecting the frequency of sludge removal and its potential for further use.

The final example presented was the work carried out in Skogsby on Öland, focusing on plant selection and the use of soil and sludge mixtures for cultivation.

The first day of the study visit demonstrated a broad approach to the circular economy – from extending the life cycle of products and reusing materials to recovering resources generated through municipal services. For local government representatives, it was also an opportunity to explore solutions that could inspire the development of more circular services at the local level.

Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Partners Plan Next Steps, Local Government Representatives Explore Solutions in Practice

The second day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting in Kalmar combined partners’ work on the next stages of the project with study visits for local government representatives. The partners focused, among other things, on preparing training and mentoring activities, further developing the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub, and exploring how the project’s results can be used after its completion. The study visit provided an opportunity to learn about practical solutions for water treatment and reuse.

On 30 September, the two-day Circular MuSe project meeting continued in Kalmar. The programme was designed to enable the project partners to work on the further implementation of the project while, at the same time, allowing participants in the study visit – including representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic – to explore Swedish experiences and solutions that may be relevant from a local government perspective.

Next stages of Circular MuSe

During the All-partner Meeting, the partners presented brief updates on activities and achievements since the last joint meeting in Wejherowo. They then focused on planning the next stages of the project.

One of the main topics was the preparation of training activities in Denmark, Poland and Sweden, as well as mentoring in Lithuania. The discussions covered specific dates, recruitment of representatives of local authorities and companies, formats and methods of delivering the training, the duration of individual modules, as well as the selection of trainers and the resources required.

Development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub

Another important part of the meeting was the continued development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub and a portfolio of examples of circular municipal services, primarily intended for smaller towns and rural areas.

The partners reviewed the good practices collected so far, identified thematic areas that still need to be covered, and discussed which solutions could be used during future study visits and training activities. They also considered examples that could be particularly valuable for communicating and disseminating the project’s results.

What will remain after the project ends?

A separate part of the discussions focused on how the results of Circular MuSe could be used after the project has ended. The partners discussed the requirements of the funding programme, initial concepts for the continued use of the results developed within the project, as well as upcoming tasks and future meetings.

This is an important aspect of Circular MuSe, as the project’s activities are intended not only to facilitate the exchange of experience among partners, but also to provide knowledge and practical examples that can be used by local authorities and local municipal service providers.

Solutions for Local Authorities in Practice

At the same time, study visits were an important part of the second day. For the local government representatives participating in the trip, they provided an opportunity to see solutions implemented in Kalmar first-hand and to discuss practical experience gained from their implementation.

One of the solutions presented was a mobile, container-based wastewater disinfection system that enables water recovery and reuse, including for irrigating green areas and sports fields. During the visit, participants learned about experiences related to the implementation and operation of the system, its potential future applications, as well as conclusions and recommendations resulting from its operation.

The study visit programme also included Kalmarsundsverket – a new-generation wastewater treatment and resource recovery facility currently being developed in Kalmar. According to the project assumptions, the facility is designed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, enable up to 80% of the water to be treated for reuse, and produce a high-quality soil improver as well as biogas used to generate electricity and heat.

Knowledge That Can Be Applied Locally

The second day in Kalmar therefore had two complementary dimensions. Circular MuSe partners worked on the next stages of the project, training activities, the Knowledge Hub and the long-term use of project results, while local government representatives had the opportunity to explore practical solutions related to the circular economy and resource reuse first-hand.

The meeting concluded with a joint exchange of conclusions from the study visit, focusing on the experience gained, opportunities for implementing circular practices in municipal services, and further activities within Circular MuSe.

Circular MuSe - From Presentation to Solutions in Practice

The Circular MuSe pilot focusing on the reuse of sand collected during winter street cleaning was one of the practical solutions presented to COEE 2026 participants during a study visit to Wejherowo. The visit to Ekofabryka Wejherowo demonstrated how circular economy principles can be put into practice and contribute to more efficient use of resources in municipal services.

The final day of the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering – COEE 2026 was dedicated to study visits, giving participants an opportunity to relate the topics presented and discussed during the conference to concrete solutions implemented at the local level.

One of the sites included in the programme was Ekofabryka Wejherowo, where participants learned about circular economy solutions and practical experience related to their implementation in an urban context.

Circular MuSe pilot in Wejherowo

An important part of the visit was the presentation of the Circular MuSe pilot focusing on the reuse of sand collected during winter street cleaning in Wejherowo. The activity contributes to one of the project’s key objectives – increasing the circularity of municipal services through resource recovery and reuse, as well as developing new approaches to material management.

The visit provided participants with an opportunity to explore the practical dimension of the solution and learn about local experience with its implementation. It also demonstrated how a material previously treated as waste can be considered a potential resource and brought back into circulation.

The experience gained in Wejherowo is also relevant in terms of the potential transfer and adaptation of similar solutions by other cities and municipalities. Combining knowledge exchange, demonstration of solutions and practical implementation experience is an important element of Circular MuSe and supports the development of more circular models for municipal service delivery.

COEE 2026 – the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering – was organised by Gdańsk University of Technology and its Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

NURSECOAST-II, CONE and Circular MuSe – From Knowledge to Practice at COEE 2026

Study visits to Wejherowo and Gdańsk concluded the participation of NURSECOAST-II, CONE and Circular MuSe in COEE 2026. The final day of the conference gave participants an opportunity to see practical solutions for sustainable water management, green retention and the circular economy – areas directly linked to the activities developed within these projects.

The final part of the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering – COEE 2026 programme consisted of study visits to Wejherowo and Gdańsk. Following several days of presentations, panel discussions and exchange of experience, participants had the opportunity to see how the topics discussed during the conference translate into concrete solutions implemented at the local level.

Wejherowo – sustainable water and waste management

In Wejherowo, participants visited Ekofabryka Wejherowo, where practical solutions and experience related to waste management and the transition towards more circular use of resources were presented. The programme also addressed sustainable water management at the city level.

Wejherowo provided a particularly clear example of how the topics discussed at the conference connect with activities carried out within the CONE and Circular MuSe projects. The two projects address complementary areas: the use of Nature-Based Solutions in stormwater management and the implementation of circular economy principles in municipal services.

Gdańsk – green retention and resource recovery

In Gdańsk, the first part of the visit focused on green retention. Participants learned about Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) used in stormwater management and their role in increasing urban resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Another part of the programme focused on waste management and the transition from conventional waste management towards resource recovery and reuse. The solutions presented demonstrated how circular economy principles can be translated into the practical operation of cities and municipal infrastructure.

From conference knowledge to practical solutions

The study visits provided a practical continuation of the topics presented and discussed during COEE 2026. They enabled participants to relate research, project results and exchanged experience to solutions operating under real-life conditions.

Activities developed within CONE and Circular MuSe in Wejherowo demonstrated two important directions in urban transformation: the use of Nature-Based Solutions in water management and the implementation of circular economy principles. Together with the experience of NURSECOAST-II in sustainable water and wastewater management, they provided a coherent perspective on how research, knowledge exchange and project cooperation can lead to practical solutions across the Baltic Sea Region.

Circular MuSe on Circular Municipal Services at COEE 2026

How can circularity in municipal services be increased and proven solutions effectively transferred to smaller towns and rural areas? These questions were at the centre of the Circular MuSe presentation during the Ideation Project Multi-Forum & Panel Discussion “Circularity in Waste & Water Management”, held on 8 September as part of the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering (COEE 2026) in Sopot.

Circular MuSe in the discussion on circular municipal services

During the forum, the Circular MuSe approach to more efficient and circular use of resources in municipal services was presented. The project focuses on identifying and transferring proven solutions, developing new approaches through pilot activities, and building the capacities of local authorities and municipal service providers.

The activities are primarily targeted at smaller towns and rural areas in the South Baltic region, supporting local actors in accessing and applying knowledge and experience related to the implementation of circular economy principles.

Circular Municipal Services Hub – knowledge and experience in one place

One of the key elements presented during the forum was the Circular Municipal Services Hub, currently being developed within the project. The Hub is designed to bring together case studies, good practices and circular economy solutions, while providing access to the knowledge and experience behind their practical implementation.

Knowledge transfer is also supported through training, mentoring, study visits and demonstration visits, enabling the exchange of experience among local authorities, municipal service providers, experts and project partners.

Circular MuSe pilot activities

Pilot activities are an important part of Circular MuSe, allowing circular economy solutions to be tested in practice.

One of these pilots is being implemented in Wejherowo and focuses on the recovery and reuse of sand collected during street cleaning. Other pilot activities address the use of sediments from retention basins, as well as methods for their treatment and subsequent reuse.

The practical dimension of Circular MuSe continued on 9 September in Wejherowo, where one of the study and demonstration visits planned within the project took place.

Exchange of experience between projects

The Ideation Project Multi-Forum at COEE 2026 also brought together representatives of other international projects, including CONE, NURSECOAST-II, CURE NbS, GINA, SMARTER, ReNutriWater, GI-mine and SYMBIOTER.

The forum provided a space for exchanging experience on water and circular resource management, nature-based solutions and the mitigation of micropollutants.

Circular MuSe’s participation in the forum combined the presentation of tools and pilot activities developed within the project with an exchange of knowledge and experience on the practical implementation of circular economy principles in municipal services.

Circular MuSe at the COEE 2026 Conference in Sopot

The Circular MuSe project was presented at the 5th International Conference of Ecological and Environmental Engineering (COEE 2026) in Sopot. Prof. Krzysztof Czerwionka from Gdańsk University of Technology presented results of work on the safe recovery and reuse of material collected during street cleaning, including experience from the pilot activity implemented in Wejherowo.

From street waste to resource

During the conference, Prof. Krzysztof Czerwionka from Gdańsk University of Technology delivered the presentation “From Street Waste to Resource: Environmental Safety and Circular Reuse of Street-Sweeping Sand”, focusing on activities carried out within the Circular MuSe project.

The presentation addressed the management of material collected during street cleaning and its potential for safe reuse in line with circular economy principles. One of the examples presented was the pilot activity implemented in Wejherowo.

Circular MuSe pilot in Wejherowo

The pilot tests the washing of material collected during street cleaning in order to recover the sand it contains. The aim is to assess whether material that would normally be treated as waste can, after appropriate treatment, be safely reused.

The activities also include assessing the quality of the recovered material and testing solutions for the treatment of water generated during the washing process.

The Wejherowo pilot demonstrates in practice how solutions developed within Circular MuSe can support more efficient use of resources in municipal services and the implementation of circular economy principles at the local level.

Circular MuSe in the circular economy discussion

The project's presence at COEE 2026 went beyond the presentation of project results. Circular MuSe was also part of the Ideation Project Multi-Forum & Panel Discussion: Circularity in Waste & Water Management, dedicated to the exchange of experience and discussion on solutions supporting circularity in the waste and water management sectors.

Participation in the conference provided an opportunity to share experience gained through the Circular MuSe pilot activities and to exchange knowledge on the potential for wider application of the solutions being tested in municipal services.

Circular MuSe - Pilot Projects and International Expert Review

Circular MuSe is moving the discussion on the circular economy from theory to practice. In Wejherowo, project partners are presenting pilot solutions, discussing technical assumptions, and presenting investment plans. Each project undergoes an international expert review including presentation, technical questions, risk analysis, and recommendations from other partners and invited experts. This method allows rapid identification of gaps, cost optimization, and preparation of scalable models ready for implementation in other cities and municipalities.

Examples of pilot projects and their practical significance
• Wejherowo – reuse of sand from winter street cleaning
We analyze material quality, cleaning methods, and potential applications in urban infrastructure (e.g. sub-bases, green areas). Benefits: reduced waste, lower raw material purchase costs, and reduced environmental burden.
• Denmark – use of sediment from swimming pools
Research focuses on safe processing of sediments and possibilities of using them in urban greenery or as a raw material for construction materials. This approach combines public health protection with efficient resource management.
• Sweden – management of sediments in municipal services 🇸🇪
A comprehensive approach combining technical, regulatory, and social aspects, with an emphasis on long-term environmental and economic benefits. The project shows how to integrate circular solutions into local policies and practices.

Why it matters and what the goal is
All pilot projects pursue one goal: reducing waste, extending the lifecycle of resources, and creating practical, replicable models. International expert feedback helps refine solutions so that they are safe, cost-effective, and socially acceptable. Thanks to this, small towns and rural areas receive real tools for circular transformation that can be implemented with limited budgets. 🛠️📈

Call for cooperation
Do you represent a municipality, public utility company, university, or NGO and want to test similar solutions in your area? Contact us – joint pilot projects, workshops, and expert reviews are the fastest way to practical change and real savings. Together we can create solutions that work locally and have a positive environmental impact.

Circular MuSe in Wejherowo: European partners are working together to develop practical circular economy solutions for cities and municipalities

This week, Wejherowo hosted an international exchange of experiences on the circular economy in municipal services. As part of a meeting of all Circular MuSe project partners, representatives of local governments, universities, and organizations from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden are working on concrete solutions designed to support more sustainable resource management in smaller cities and rural areas.

The two-day meeting is taking place at Ekofabryka Wejherowo and focuses primarily on practical activities: implementing pilot projects, exchanging knowledge, and preparing the next stages of international cooperation. Project partners discuss both the results of their activities to date and the next steps related to education, mentoring, and the development of tools to support local governments in the circular transition.

The first day of the meeting was primarily devoted to summarizing the project’s progress and experiences related to the implementation of training and educational activities. Partners present the results of the implemented training programs, the participant recruitment process, the most important topics raised by participants, and the practical aspects of organizing educational activities. Discussions also cover the further development of training modules in Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as ways to engage local government representatives and businesses in the circular transition process.

Another key element of the meeting is discussions on mentoring and the development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub—a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices among project partners and stakeholders from various countries. Participants analyze the platform’s functionalities, its structure, and opportunities for further development so that it can more effectively support cities and municipalities implementing circular economy solutions.

One of the highlights of the program is a series of sessions dedicated to the pilot solutions being implemented by the project partners. These meetings take the form of an international expert review, during which the partners present the current status of their projects, technical specifications, and future investment plans. They then receive detailed feedback from the other participants and experts involved in the project.

In Wejherowo, one of the projects on display focuses on reusing sand left over from winter street cleaning. Partners from Denmark are presenting solutions for reusing sludge from water treatment plants, while Kalmar is showcasing initiatives for sludge management in the context of local municipal services. All these initiatives share a common goal: reducing waste, extending the life cycle of resources, and creating practical models that can be implemented in other cities and municipalities.

The second day of the meeting focuses on further developing the Circular MuSe knowledge base and building a portfolio of best practices for small towns and rural areas. Partners present the identified case studies and jointly assess their implementation potential, usefulness, and replicability in other municipalities. Particular attention is given to solutions that demonstrate how to effectively combine municipal services with the principles of the circular economy.

The meeting in Wejherowo is not only part of the project schedule but, above all, a space for practical cooperation among partners from different countries. Joint workshops, expert sessions, and study visits allow for the development of solutions that have a real impact on the development of more sustainable municipal services in Europe.

The program also included visits to the Eco-Factory and the urban areas of Wejherowo, allowing project partners to better understand local solutions and initiatives implemented by the local government and municipal entities responsible for municipal services.

The Circular MuSe project demonstrates that an effective transition toward a circular economy requires not only technology and investment, but also cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and the building of shared knowledge among cities, universities, and organizations from various European countries.

DON’T MISS OUT:

💡 You can already explore the basic features of the Circular Municipal Services Hub platform at this link: Circular Municipal Services Hub, where you’ll find a range of best practices, interesting case studies, and inspiration on how to support cities and municipalities in the field of circular solutions.

📅 SAVE THE DATE: If you’d like to join our expert team on a similar study visit to Kalmar, mark your calendar for September 28–30, 2026, and contact our project coordinator.DON’T MISS OUT: