Management and the recycling of lightweight packaging It has become one of the priorities in the environmental and municipal sphere in Spain. Meeting European objectives In terms of waste reduction and the circular economy, it has prompted consortia, city councils, and social organizations to implement increasingly ambitious actions to improve the selective collection and efficient transformation of lightweight packaging waste, such as plastics, cartons, and cans.
In this context, while some regions stand out for their good results, others face the challenge of improving their figures and reaching the national or European average. Citizen participation, technological innovation, and municipal planning are key factors in the evolution of these figures.
Highlighted results and territorial differences
During the last period, the municipalities managed by the Terra Consortium, which brings together 37 towns in the regions of l'Alacantí, l'Alcoià and Comtat, have managed to exceed the provincial and regional average by two points in recycling lightweight packaging. In 2024, more than 4,3 million kilos were collected. in the yellow container, reaching an annual average of more than 17,8 kg per inhabitant, figures that reflect a notable civic commitment with sustainability and recycling.
In contrast, other areas such as the Vega Baja present records below average. The residents of this consortium contributed just 11,77 kg of lightweight packaging per person in 2024, a considerably lower amount than the average for the province of Alicante and the Valencian Community. Local authorities have highlighted the need to invest in treatment plants and promote campaigns to achieve the objectives set by the European Union.
Innovative municipal projects for efficient management
Some municipalities have opted for advanced and self-financing management modelsThe Port of Santa María has launched a pioneering 14-year contract at no cost to the municipal treasury. This model establishes an annual fee and provides for a investment of around 11 million euros addressed to technological modernization, the renewal and expansion of containers, and the incorporation of more efficient and less polluting vehicles.
The municipal recycling plant, which serves as a reference in the province and processes light packaging not only from the municipality but also from others such as Cádiz, Chiclana or Sanlúcar, manages around 10.000 annual tons and has exceeded 65% utilization. The forecast, with the new digital platform and automation, is to reach up to 95% useful recycling rateThis qualitative leap will allow us to respond to both the social demand as well as the latest legal requirements regarding lightweight packaging waste.
Additionally, the reorganization and training of staff has been contemplated, as well as the implementation of a intelligent real-time tracking system which significantly improves transparency, control and response capacity to incidents throughout the collection and selection process.
Awareness, participation and future challenges
La environmental education and active citizen participation They continue to be a key element in advancing recycling goals. Campaigns such as "You Are the Key" tour different towns to inform and raise awareness about proper waste separation, encouraging prevention in waste generation and the proper disposal of lightweight packaging in the yellow container.
The current differences between regions highlight the need to increase awareness and provide adequate infrastructure, especially in those municipalities that still fall short of national standards. Authorities, experts, and associations agree on the crucial role of separating waste at source, not only to comply with regulations and avoid penalties, but also to protect the environment and move toward a truly circular economy.
The recycling of lightweight packaging in Spain offers inspiring examples of efficient management and use of technology, although challenges persist in certain areas that require more resources and collective commitment. Investment in innovation, awareness-raising policies, and citizen engagement will be crucial to achieving the recycling levels demanded by the future.
