Recycling is experiencing a notable increase in Spain every year. As ecological awareness among citizens and companies increases, so does the amount of waste collected and treated in recycling plants. For 2017, an increase of 1,5% in the collection of paper and cardboard was estimated, reaching 4.780.000 tonnes of these recycled materials.
The recycling boom during the Christmas season
The Spanish Association of Pulp, Paper and Cardboard Manufacturers (Aspapel) estimated that in the months of December and January 2017 the collection of paper and cardboard would increase by 10% more than the annual averageThis increase is largely due to the Christmas holidays, which generate a greater amount of recyclable waste.
In total, it was expected to collect approximately 862.000 tons of paper and cardboard during these weeks, which represents 18% of the annual total concentrated in a short period of time. Especially on days like Christmas, New Year and Epiphany, as well as on other commercial dates such as Black Friday and the January sales.
To enhance the efficiency of recycling, Aspapel and other institutions urged citizens to deposit paper and cardboard correctly in the blue containers, since these are materials 100% recyclableIn addition, it was recommended to fold the boxes to optimize the container space.
State of recycling in 2017: A historic year
Recycling in Spain has experienced constant growth. In fact, 2017 was the fourth consecutive year in which an increase in waste collection was recorded, ranking as the third best year in history in terms of recycling paper and cardboard.
In terms of efficiency, the Spanish paper industry recycled more than five million tons in that year, becoming the Europe's second largest industry in terms of paper recycling, second only to Germany. In addition, recycling capacity increased in 2018, projecting an even more favourable future for this sector.
The data show that although the historical maximum collection was reached in 2008, with nearly five million tons, the trend has remained firm and efforts by industries and citizens have yielded significant results. According to Ecoembes, the selective collection of materials including paper and cardboard reached 81,1% recycling.
Citizen engagement and administration
The growth of recycling depends not only on the industry, but on the Citizens' commitment. In 2017, a considerable increase was detected in the placement of waste in the yellow and blue containers. Each citizen deposited an average of 13,96 kg in the yellow containers and 16,1 kg in the blue ones, which represents an increase compared to previous years.
Thanks to the collaboration of the 47 million inhabitants, 8.125 municipalities and more than 12.400 companies, nearly 591.124 containers were made available to the population for selective collection. In this way, the 99% of the population has access to selective collection and during festivities or mass events, such as festivals and sports stadiums, more than 30.400 additional recycling points were installed to optimize citizen participation.
Future projections in paper and cardboard recycling
Spain continues to move towards the circular economy. In accordance with the goals established by the European Waste Directive, it is projected that by 2025, 55% of municipal waste will need to be recycled. The target is ambitious, reaching 60% in 2030 and 65% in 2035.
In addition, for the recycling of paper and cardboard packaging, the targets are specifically higher: it is expected that 75% of the total will be recycled by 2025 and the 85% by 2030These objectives underline the key role of paper and cardboard in the country's sustainability.
Paper and cardboard, widely used both in homes and in commercial and industrial activities, have positioned themselves as one of the most recycled urban solid waste in Spain, with a recycling rate of 81,1% in 2017. Collaboration between institutions, companies and citizens has been fundamental in this progress.
With these joint efforts and clear goals, it is estimated that paper and cardboard recycling in Spain will continue to grow, contributing to a more circular economy and a lower environmental impact.