The shift to a circular economy and its climate role
The linear system of make, use, and discard is fading. This older model is increasingly seen as unsustainable, and societies are moving toward a circular economy that closes the loop. Recycling plays a pivotal part in this transition, helping replace the old take‑make‑waste approach with a cycle of producing, using, and reusing materials.
A clear aim of this shift is to cut waste and shrink the carbon footprint. Recycling sits at the heart of the circular model as a practical way to keep resources in use for longer and reduce environmental impact.
Although progress has been made, there is still work ahead. On World Recycling Day, observed on May 17, awareness is raised about proper waste treatment to protect ecosystems and public health.
19.8 million tons of recycled waste in context
In 2021, Spain generated about 138 million tons of waste, roughly 490 kilograms per person. Of that total, 19.8 million tons were recycled, representing less than 15% of the waste stream. This share rose slightly from 2020 and contributed to revenue from recycled materials totaling several billion euros.
IFMA Spain’s 2022 report shows metal waste accounted for more than 60% of the recycled volume, with paper and cardboard at a little over 20%, and the remainder including wood, glass, and plastic.
Despite these figures, the current recycling system in Spain faces challenges. Even with years of container systems in place, recent data indicate that minimum EU targets may not be reached for many years.
The municipal recycling rate of 35% falls short of the EU’s 50% target and the 48% EU average, with 2025 goals set toward 55%. The European Commission recommends stronger adherence to circular economy principles, especially in water and energy savings, waste prevention, material recycling, reuse, repairs, and the broader use of secondary raw materials.
Three practical R rules
Reduce: when shopping, choose products with minimal packaging and buy in bulk when possible. Aim for little to no plastic carry with purchases.
Reuse: give items a second life before discarding them. Bottles, bags, and cardboard can become planters, decorations, or building materials, among other uses.
Recycle: most materials are recyclable, but success depends on institutions and individual choices. For example, recycling 1,000 kg of paper saves numerous trees.
World Recycling Day in Orihuela: driving better results
The local waste department emphasizes improving public services and expanding selective waste collection, including paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, and other recyclables. The effort also covers the reception of goods, mobile Ecopark services, and coastal pruning collection.
Guillermo Cánovas Vergel, a regional councilor for street cleaning and urban solid waste, stresses the need for community cooperation in recycling and environmental protection.
Separating and recycling at the source not only benefits the environment but also carries economic value. Ecoembes estimates that residents’ targeted collection can contribute hundreds of thousands of euros in direct municipal revenue and substantial savings by avoiding waste treatment and disposal costs.
Efforts in Orihuela continue with new awareness campaigns and an expanded network of selective collection containers, supported by partnerships to enhance service quality and coverage. In the near term, container deployments will expand to improve local recycling performance, aligning with a broader waste management plan for the region.
Last year’s totals of selective waste collected at source doubled previous figures and marked continued year‑over‑year growth, signaling a positive trend in local recycling engagement.
Vega Baja Sustainable Consortium: leadership in recycling
On World Recycling Day, the Vega Baja Sustainable Consortium reiterates its commitment to reducing waste and fostering a cleaner, greener region. The group conducts environmental education and management activities to meet this challenge.
In recent initiatives, residents gathered to clean up multiple sites, demonstrating that community involvement drives tangible improvements in landscape quality and environmental awareness. The region participates in broader European campaigns to promote voluntary waste collection and sustainable practices.
In May, a conference promoted by the Vega Baja Consortium, Ecoembes, and the Generalitat Valenciana focused on improving initial waste segregation and campaigns to curb littering, including programs like Libera.
Grupo Braceli and the circular economy
Grupo Braceli specializes in comprehensive waste management, recycling, and recovery of ferrous and non‑ferrous materials. They provide industrial container services, scrapping, demolitions, and environmental management including handling electrical and electronic equipment.
For operations head Jonathan Braceli, delivering high‑quality environmental services to suppliers and customers is essential. The commercial director, Maria Chornopyska, notes that the company remains accessible and committed to responsible waste management for nearby communities. The leadership emphasizes professional staff and forward‑looking practices that support long‑term planetary health.
CEO Javier Ricart highlights the team’s ongoing training and awareness of environmental concerns. The group manager, Carlos Braceli, reinforces the idea that the traditional linear economy has reached its limit and that reducing, reusing, and recycling must take priority.
Grupo Braceli views the circular economy as a pathway for small producers and individuals to repurpose waste and transform it into new raw materials, strengthening the production chain and minimizing waste.