Glass recycling has become a fundamental pillar of waste management and progress toward more sustainable cities in Spain. In recent years, the country has managed to overcome important milestones, placing itself at the forefront of glass container recycling in Europe and consolidating numerous campaigns that seek to raise awareness among both the public and the hospitality industry of the value of this simple daily gesture.
Cities like Dos Hermanas, Algeciras or Almería have been protagonists of initiatives that, beyond increasing selective collection figures, aim to establish a recycling culture. These actions translate into door-to-door programs at fairs, provision of adapted containers, educational campaigns and the use of new technologies to boost citizen input.
Municipal campaigns in hospitality and mass events
One of the key sectors in recycling glass is the hospitality industry, responsible for approximately half of single-use glass containers. Town councils such as that of Dos Hermanas have thrown intensive campaigns to remind and facilitate selective collection in more than 450 establishments. Personalized visits to bars and restaurants, surveys to identify needs, and wheelie bins have been distributed, in addition to installing special containers equipped with systems that speed up the collection of large quantities.
In large temporary events, such as the Royal Fair of Algeciras, the devices are reinforced through door-to-door selective collection, the installation of more than a dozen containers and the free delivery of materials to facilitate the deposit. More than 50 booths are actively participating, demonstrating local involvement. The 2024 edition will surpassed the 21-ton barrier of recycled glass during the fair, breaking records from the previous year.
The impact of environmental awareness and education
The progress in collection figures would not be possible without the drive of information campaigns and citizen involvement. Recent studies show that 96% of young Spaniards believe they can influence a sustainable future and up to 70% are willing to pay more for products in environmentally friendly packaging. The new generations seem to take on the challenge of incorporating glass recycling into their daily habits., leaving behind the perception that it was a distant or exclusive task for others.
In parallel, initiatives such as those developed by Ecovidrio They coordinate the delivery of information and advice to establishments, answering questions and highlighting the environmental, social, and economic benefits of recycling. In specific campaigns, such as the one in Algeciras, more than 90 large-capacity bins are distributed and collected daily, demonstrating how logistics can be adapted to the context to facilitate sustainability.
Technological innovation and digitalization in glass management
La smart waste management has taken a leap forward in quality with the incorporation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems. Tools such as Ecovidrio Administrations allow municipalities to monitor the filling level of the tanks in real time containers, consult collection history and plan routes or improvement actions with unprecedented precision.
In the case of Almería, the 'EcoBarrios' campaign uses artificial intelligence to analyze areas with less contribution and launch direct mail or street presence actions, accompanied by the installation of accessible containers where there is the greatest need. More than 17.000 households have been impacted in the latest phase of the campaign, optimized resources and promoting greater participation. All this translates into a reduction of mixed waste, more participation and direct environmental benefits.
Record figures and future challenges for glass recycling in Spain
Data on selective collection in Spain reflect the cultural shift that is taking root. In 2024, the glass recycling rate reached 71,1%., bringing forward the 70% target set by the European Union for 2025. In absolute terms, more than one million tons of glass They were recycled and reincorporated into the production chain, allowing the manufacture of new containers without limitations and maintaining the original properties of the material.
The associated benefits are not only environmental: recycling prevents the extraction of virgin raw materials, saves energy and helps reduce polluting gas emissions. A simple act, such as placing a bottle in the green bin, can translate into significant energy savings or a CO₂ reduction equivalent to driving a car.
It is essential to continue promoting recycling, fostering ongoing environmental education, increasing government involvement, and improving selective collection systems. With these efforts, Spain will be able to achieve even more ambitious goals in the coming years and consolidate its leadership in the circular economy and sustainable waste management.
