Frequently Asked Questions - Recycling

General Questions

CAN I DO THE WORK MYSELF ?

Basically yes, but please remember that you must be appropriately qualified for almost all work. We recommend that you commission specialized companies with the necessary know-how.

WHICH PARTS OF MY WKA ARE FOR SALE ?

The wind turbine as a whole is for sale if it is a popular model. In principle, wind turbines up to 850kW and from 2MW are available for sale. For further details please contact us. We will be happy to advise you. 

WHICH PARTS OF MY WKA ARE REUSABLE ?

The tower can be recycled as scrap, as can many other components such as the gearbox after all fluids have been drained and professionally disposed of. The wings are made of GFK and worthless. They have to be shredded very laboriously and then recycled. The concrete from the foundation can be recycled, e.g. for road construction as concrete recycling material. Cables and generators are also recycled accordingly.

DO YOU ALSO OFFER THE SALE OF WIND TURBINES?

NEOCyce does not offer this, but we work in close cooperation with wind turbine buyers and are happy to refer you free of charge. Please contact us.

DO YOU ALSO BUY EXISTING WIND TURBINES BEFORE DISMANTLING?

NEOCyce does not offer this service, but we work in close cooperation with a wind turbine operator from Germany. He will be happy to make you an appropriate offer. Please contact us.

Wind Turbine - Dismantling

HOW IS THE DISMANTLING CARRIED OUT?

Wind turbines with a steel tower are dismantled with two cranes, as is the case with the superstructure. Depending on how it is recycled, it may be used carefully for reuse or somewhat more quickly for recycling. Wind turbines with concrete towers can also be dismantled conventionally with cranes, but it is also possible to blow up the entire plant, similar to factory chimneys. We are happy to offer you the best solution for your project.

HOW IS A CONCRETE TOWER DISMANTLED?

A concrete tower is unfortunately not recyclable like a steel tower. It must be dismantled on site. Depending on the type of construction, which differ according to the year of construction, different types of dismantling are required. It is also possible to blow up the tower like a factory tower. In addition, some towers have been painted with a special paint, which means that the concrete is not recyclable and must be finally – very expensive – disposed of.

CAN THE WIND TURBINE ALSO BE BLOWN UP?

Yes, it is technically possible to blow up the entire wind turbine with nacelle and wings or just the concrete tower. We will be happy to test the most economical method for you.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO DISMANTLE MY WIND TURBINE?

In Germany, building permits and BImSch permits are generally issued for an indefinite period. Basically, your wind turbine can remain standing indefinitely. However, stability must always be countered and proven. The stability of the wind turbine is ensured in the first 20 years by the manufacturer’s type testing. After 20 years every owner needs an expert’s report for further operation after 20 years. The extension of the term after 20 years depends on the individual case.

MY WIND TURBINE IS DAMAGED, IS A REPAIR WORTH IT?

That is a good question, but one that requires a close examination of the individual case. We are happy to advise you and help you with your decision. Please get in touch with us.

Foundation Removal

CAN THE FOUNDATION REMAIN IN THE GROUND?

This question cannot be answered uniformly and depends on the individual case. If it is not your own property, you should read in your lease contract of use what is agreed. Usually there is a formulation that 1m or 1.5m or 2m of the foundation must be removed and the agricultural use must be restored. The authorities must also be consulted. Recently more and more authorities demand the complete removal of the foundation. Please remember that you may have deposited a demolition guarantee with the authorities and that you will only receive it if you have fulfilled all the conditions of the demolition permit.

DO I HAVE TO BREAK DOWN THE WHOLE FOUNDATION?

That depends on the individual case. Please check what is regulated in the lease agreement and talk to your licensing authority. It is quite possible that the authorities will order the complete removal.

DO I HAVE TO PULL OUT THE PILES?

Recently, some authorities have demanded the complete removal of the foundation with the piles. This must be discussed with the authorities in each individual case and also depends on the type of pile. Some piles would do more damage when pulled than if they remained in the ground. Others can be pulled easily.

ARE FOUNDATION RINGS REUSABLE ?

Yes, but for this, you have to be removed very carefully – without damage – from the foundation, which we are happy to offer you.

ARE FOUNDATION RINGS FOR SALE ?

Occasionally used foundation rings are traded, but the probability of getting a good price for it, which at least compensates the extra price for the careful removal from the foundation, is rather low. You should only carefully remove the foundation ring from the foundation if it can be sold at the same time as the wind turbine.

HOW DO I REFILL THE FOUNDATION?

If the former floor extract from the construction of the foundation still exists, it can be used for backfilling. Otherwise, it must be agreed with the authorities and the environmental authorities as well as on the basis of the country-specific regulations whether, for example, parts of the old crane site and the road construction may be used.

WHERE DO I GET TOPSOIL?

Topsoil can become a very big problem as it is often not available or very expensive.

Access Ways - Crane Pad - Land

CAN I DO CERTAIN WORK YOURSELF ?

Yes, of course, you may carry out the earthworks yourself.

AM I OBLIGATED TO REGENERATE ACCESS WAYS AND THE LAND?

As a property owner, it is your own decision. The paths and the crane area have been approved within the framework of the building permit / BImSchG and are therefore approved for an unlimited period. As a tenant you should read your lease agreement/usage contract, usually, there is the obligation to build back the roads and the crane place and to restore an agricultural use possibility.

CAN I JUST PLOW UNDERNEATH THE ROAD?

For this you should know the exact structure of the way. Check which materials have been used and whether they can subsequently be used for agricultural purposes. If you are a tenant, you should discuss this procedure with the landlord beforehand.

We have answered the questions to the best of our knowledge and belief, but they do not replace legal advice for your individual case. If NEOCyce has answered a question incorrectly, NEOCyce cannot be held liable for it. This is a free service that only provides an initial overview. It does not claim to be complete.

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