There is a general perception that Spain is making a lot of progress regarding the treatment of urban waste thanks to the advertising campaigns developed by the Administrations. However, nothing is further from reality, the option of landfilling (controlled) remains the first option for the disposal of urban waste in Spain.
According to the latest Eurostat report, only 27% of waste generated by Spanish citizens is recycled or used to generate compost. This data shows that today we are in the caboose of Europe where the average recycled waste is at 42%.
When we talk about urban waste we must always keep in mind the three R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
- Reduce: to avoid that garbage is generated, the first thing we have to do is reflect before making a purchase, taking into account aspects such as the amount of packaging used and material that is made.
- Reuse: many of the materials that we throw could have a second life. To help you in this, Web portals of efficiency and sustainability such as Twenergy can be very useful.
- Recycle: at the end of its useful life, objects enter the recycling phase. Paper, glass, plastic or organic waste products have a second life being used as materials for the manufacture of new packaging, compost or other products.
No doubt we have a long way to go but without the public awareness and the support of the Administration to improve the current percentages is going to be a complicated task for Spain.
However, we trust that in the end, even if it costs a bit more, Spain will end up promoting this sector that will undoubtedly be very beneficial for future generations.
Sources: Self made, Twenergy, Flikr