Waste Articles

At EuRIC, we are working to ensure that the forthcoming European Directive on packaging and packaging waste is reinforced with a view to increasing recycling rates, improving packaging design to facilitate recycling, and increasing the recycled material content of new packaging products.

El medio ambiente es, y será cada vez más, de las mujeres. Desde el papel tradicional de gestora del hogar y educadora de los hijos e hijas, hasta la responsable mayoritaria que es de las decisiones de consumo, o la posición femenina relevante en puestos de liderazgo en administraciones y empresas que tienen que ver con la sostenibilidad.

The concept of balance can be defined as the equilibrium between two or more situations. The term is applicable to different fields, such as physics or economics, but today we will focus on the environment. In speaking of "ecological balance" we cannot fail to mention one of the most valuable natural habitats on the Iberian Peninsula, the Iberian dehesa grassland.

The shortage of raw materials, a lack of materials to manufacture new electronic devices and intensive use of technology all come together in a new global context. Within this scenario, Fundación Ecolec has, through its activity and different initiatives, enabled citizens and social agents to become aware of the importance of correct WEEE management as a sustainable way of recovering precious metals.

the CIRCULAR CARBON project seeks to develop and commission a pilot plant to convert waste generated in Valencia into activated carbons with high added value for applications in the energy and environment sectors.

We begin 2022 with FuturENVIRO’s special issue of the year on waste, featuring our by now well established section entitled “In depth: Analysis of 2021”. In this section, leading actors and trade associations from the sector offer a review of the most significant events in the waste industry during the past year.

Recyclia, the entity which manages the Ecoasimelec, Ecofimática and Ecopilas foundations, was created in April 2012 to avail of synergies and combine the experience and knowledge accumulated over two decades in the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and battery recycling sector.

Reducing methane emissions: a new opportunity for energy recovery | FuturENVIRO

Caring for the planet. A matter for women? | Marta Perez Dorao, President of the Inspiring Girls Foundation and CEO of the Spanish Federation of Household Appliance Distributors (FECE)

The production of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) and Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF) is a strategic component of integrated waste management policy. It also forms part of energy strategy and the fight against climate change....

An entire sector against eSIR | Ion Olaeta, President of FER, member of the Board of Directors of EuRIC and Vice-president of the European Plastics Recycling Board (EPRB).

The new electronic platform for waste gives rise to great concern

TEIMAS: Spearheading digital transformation in the waste sector

Installation of catalytic system enables 50% reduction in NOx emissions at Grupo Tersa Waste-to-Energy plant

Galicia, green, blue and speaking in the feminine gender

Balers, compactors & ballistic separators. Comparative Table & Technical Guide (2021)

RESPECT: Desarrollo de procesos de reciclado sostenibles para la industria del plástico

The project to purify biogas from the Can Mata controlled landfill in Barcelona will make this Ferrovial Services facility the first in Spain to recover landfill gas for conversion into biomethane and injection into the natural gas transmission grid.

Grupo Neoelectra implements a thermal drying system driven by combined heat and power (CHP) at the company’s manure treatment plant in Artajona (Navarra). This enables the sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants to be...

Ecopick ayuda a optimizar la clasificación y reciclaje de residuos farmacéuticos en la planta de Biotran

Los residuos se reivindican como recursos para aportar valor a la industria

The great potential of biomass in the agriculture and forestry sector

Empezamos el año con un primer número especial de agua de FuturENVIRO, con nuestra ya instaurada sección especial denominada “A Fondo: Análisis 2020”. Una sección en las que personalidades y asociaciones del sector del agua hacen un repaso de los acontecimientos más importantes en el sector del agua durante el año.

STADLER and TOMRA delivered the fully automated sorting plant for Sysav Industri AB, which sorts pre- and post-consumer mixed textile waste in southern Skåne, in Sweden. STADLER designed and built the plant, while TOMRA...

Integrated waste management is one of the greatest challenges facing the metropolis of Barcelona. This includes prevention and taking the steps necessary to move from a linear to a circular economy in which the...

Evolving towards a circular economy is a very important challenge for any society due to what it involves: more efficient use of resources and reducing the exploitation of raw materials in order to guarantee...

ScrapAd, plataforma mundial para conectar compradores y vendedores de todo tipo de residuos y metales

The production of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) and Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF) is a strategic component of integrated waste management policy. It also forms part of energy strategy and the fight against climate change....

The planet is now facing major challenges associated with our current way of life, including demographic growth, waste management and the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. In light of these and other problems, the...

The microbiota is the set of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) that live in a particular environment. Our digestive system benefits from its presence, as these microorganisms produce energy and vitamins and help absorb calcium...

According to the United Nations, 53.6 million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) was generated worldwide in 2019. This is the equivalent of 7.3 kg per capita, 21% higher than in 2014,...

  LIFE4FILM and LIFE PLASMIX In this report, we will describe the different stages and processes of two European LIFE projects based in Granada in which FCC is participating as project coordinator. The initial classification stages...

Due to their versatility and the manner in which they inherently lend themselves to innovation, plastics have a crucial role to play in the development of a sustainable economy and efficient use of resources....

We closed 2019 with more good news. An all-time record of 896,450 tonnes of glass jars and bottles was collected in the green containers. With each passing year, we are coming ever closer to...

The 15M movement brought about a change in the way of doing politics. The philosophy that decisions come unilaterally from government bodies has started to be questioned and it is now felt that account...

The Spanish Cabinet ratified the Spanish Circular Economy Strategy (EEEC) on June 5. The initiative dates all the way back to September 2017, when the then Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environmental Affairs,...

Quantitative environmental indicators Apart from the most common environmental impact categories in lifecycle assessment, such as climate change (measured in terms of carbon footprint), water consumption (measured by water footprint), and others such as...

The ambitious environmental legislation passed by the Government in recent weeks includes the long-awaited Spanish Circular Economy Strategy (EEEC) and the Bill on Waste and Contaminated Land. This provides a good platform on which...

In line with its objective to become a benchmark publication in the waste management and recovery market, FuturENVIRO presents a series of specials that are now regarded as invaluable reference and consultation guides for...

It is estimated that between 640,000 and 800,000 tonnes of mfishing gear is lost worldwide annually and may remain in oceans for up to 600 years. This may well account for over 10% of...

  Can you imagine parents awarding grades to their own children? With the exception of the most conscientious parents, the impression would be created that all our sons and daughters were achieving academic excellence. But...

We begin 2020 with FuturENVIRO’s first special issue of the year on waste, featuring our by now well established section entitled “In depth: Analysis of 2019”.  In this section, leading actors and trade associations from the...

The solution lies in focusing our efforts on promoting the circular economy and fighting on all fronts to meet the European target of incorporating 10 million tonnes of recycled plastic into new products by...

EasyWaste (FREE) EasyWaste (FREE) is now available on the App Store and on Google Play. This version is free of charge and does not require registration. It allows users to access and contact responsible waste...

Sadako uses state of the art Deep Learning and Computer Vision technology to detect objects in very complex waste streams, in real time, today being the eyes and brain of urban waste robotic sorter...

The project aims to make a specific contribution to reducing inorganic waste through the adoption of more sustainable innovative concepts in agriculture and the food industry, with particular focus on SMEs. The REINWASTE consortium is...

  Nonetheless, despite the very positive figures, Ecoembes, the organisation which coordinates recycling in Spain, wishes to continue innovating in the quest for new solutions adapted to the daily lives of citizens, whilst helping local...

This opinion article provides a summary of 2018, an intense year, which I believe has laid the foundations for a change of economic, social and business model. I look forward to 2019 with optimism,...

In this context, selective waste collection is of special importance and more so if we bear in mind that the models being driven by the EU make it necessary to have greater investment at...

A priority within this rethinking process is to create a circular economy in which waste ceases to be considered a problem and is treated as a valuable resource that enables the prevention of overexploitation...

  My brief, but very enriching, experience in 2011 in the “Gender and Science” unit of the Directorate General of Research opened my eyes; recognizing, and eliminating gender biases and stereotypes in science is a...

The challenge of Waste4Think is to improve waste management, not only in economic or operational terms, but also in terms of environmental and social impacts. For this purpose, each of the four pilot schemes...

There are few activities that exemplify the circular model more than glass container recycling. It converts waste into a valuable resource and helps the environment by saving raw materials and energy, as well as...

Asphalt mixtures are the most commonly used material for the construction of paved surfaces worldwide. During the manufacture and onsite laying of these mixes, it is necessary to heat aggregates and binders to temperatures...

40 years ago, American John Goodenough invented the lithium  ion battery, which powers laptops, smartphones and many other electronic devices. Since then, numerous companies have joined the race to develop powerful, safe, long-life power units....

  Since the year 2000, there has been a great change in the way we produce and consume our garments. Fashion is currently the planet’s 2nd most polluting industry and it is estimated that 20%...

  The district of Sant Marcel·lí in Valencia is the scenario for the first PlastiCircle pilot study. From May to October of this year, residents can participate in this initiative, which aims to foster the...

This special is devoted to ballistic separators, balers & compactors for recycling plants. A simple, comprehensive and useful technical guide to the main features of the ballistic separators, balers & compactors offered by leading...

The world population is expected to increase by 2,200 million in just 30 years. This means that the population will grow from the current figure of 7,600 million to 9,800 by 2050. Two thirds...

Climate change occupies a central position within this concern for the environment. Euskadi’s contribution to climate change is small in quantitative terms (0.5% of total EU emissions). Nonetheless, since the basic principle governing international...

ALKIA ENERGY SL, a company with great expertise in availing of residual gases for large energy consumers, carried out the preliminary project study and designed an energy solution encompassing all the important aspects of...

Ecocentral Granada is a mechanical-biological treatment facility where municipal solid waste from the province of Granada is processed. It is located in the municipality of Alhendín, around 15 km south of the city of...

LIFE RECYPACK is a demonstration project that is studying four solutions to current problems in the process of treating commercial plastic packaging waste (containers and packaging), mainly polyethylene (PE) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) in...

Baleares was the only Autonomous Community lacking a Waste Act. Recently, the Parliament of the Balearic Islands passed the Balearic Islands Waste and Contaminated Lands Act. This pioneering legislation at national level in Spain,...

The agreement, entered into by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC) and the 36 metropolitan municipalities, has been ratified by the Metropolitan Council. It establishes the individualisation of commercial and...

Our ongoing objective is to make FuturENVIRO the leading publication in the waste management and recovery market and, like last year, our Technical Guides provide a consultation reference for experts in the recycling industry. We...

Waste management is going through a crucial period in Spain and in Europe. The quantity of waste packaging generated by society has been increasing, and political and social concern has been growing in parallel,...

The PEFMED project falls within the framework of the INTERREG MED priority 1 axis: Promoting Mediterranean Innovation Capacities to Develop Smart and Sustainable Growth. The objective is to increase the transnational activity of innovative...

  Innovation is one of the keys to enable European circular economy targets to be met. The ambitious targets that have been set require an improvement in waste recovery to enable subsequent recycling in all...

After the legislative change, R&D dominates the market. The main target for Spanish company i2ma is: No cartridge to landfill! Since appearing on the market, toner powder cartridges have become a pending matter with respect...

According to Eurostat figures, we produce 2,500 tonnes of waste per annum in Europe and only around 50% of this is recycled. At industrial level, we produce 260 million tonnes of waste from manufacturing...

CIRCE is participating in the European CIRC4Life project, funded by the European Commission as part of the Horizon 2020 programme. The project seeks cooperation between companies and consumers to foster more sustainable and more...

The company has completed the first stage of the extension to its environmental complex in Cerceda, with the commissioning of a new facility to recover materials from conventional waste. This facility is a prime...

Ecoembes, within the framework of its commitment to the circular economy has been promoting the recycling of domestic packaging in Spain for 20 years. During this time, the organisation has been committed to innovation...

The paperChain project is funded by European Commission Horizon 2020 Research & Development Programme. It proposes the use of waste generated in the paper industry as secondary raw materials for resource-intensive sectors, such as construction,...

We begin 2019 with FuturENVIRO’s first special issue of the year on waste, featuring our by now well established section entitled “In depth: Analysis of 2018”.  In this section, leading actors and trade associations from...

The plant features a reception pit of 5,000 cubic metres and five treatment lines, each with the capacity to process 40 tonnes per hour. These lines are equipped with over 30 optical sensors to...

Resurja is currently responsible for treating all the waste produced in the province’s 97 municipalities. The “Jaén-Sierra Sur” Plant receives the waste collected in 32 municipalities located in the west of the province, including...

A reception pit of 5,000 cubic metres, from where the waste is fed into the process line, 5 treatment lines, each with the capacity to process 40 tonnes per hour, 2 overhead cranes with...

The project entrusted to Bianna Recycling encompassed engineering, manufacture, assembly, commissioning, staff training in operating and maintenance, and plant maintenance. The facility will serve the population of Santiago de Querétaro and will manage around...

In December 2017, Untha Iberica Mexico installed two 4-shaft RS40 shredders for the treatment of steel shavings from production waste. In the same month, the company received a second order for a further two treatment lines...

  Grupo SPR, an international company based in Spain, acts as an integrated partner to offer solutions and equipment for waste treatment and raw materials recovery (secondary fuels, metals recovery, plastics recycling, etc.). In recent years,...

The light packaging recovery plant, which is a key factor in the success of recycling in Mallorca, has been constantly improving operations since it opened in 2003. This plant represents a vital preliminary stage...

We begin 2018 with FuturENVIRO’s first special issue of the year on waste, featuring our by now well established section entitled “In depth: Analysis of 2017”.  In this section, leading actors and trade associations from...

Spent Foundry Sand (SFS) generation is intrinsic to metal casting processes. Most ferrous foundries use sand moulds and cores for casting, which are discarded after pouring (lost mould technique). This generates large amounts of...

Solid waste is a commonly identified impact of tourism, but is rarely examined in tourism literature. Globally, it is estimated that the tourism industry is responsible for the generation of 35 million tonnes of...

The road network is in jeopardy due to restrictive investment policies arising from the economic crisis and cutbacks in road conservation and maintenance. According to the latest Spanish Road Association report on maintenance needs,...

Ecoembes has been promoting the recycling of domestic packaging in Spain for 20 years, an illustration of the organisation’s commitment to the circular economy. During this period, Ecoembes has been committed to the implementation...

The URBANREC project is an ambitious initiative which seeks to recover bulky waste throughout Europe. Over 60% of this type of waste currently ends up in landfills. URBANREC seeks to endow this waste with...

The project has a duration of 42 months and features the participation of 19 partners from 6 European countries. It seeks to integrate and validate 20 eco-innovative solutions covering the entire value chain of...

We sewer system managers do not understand the logic of waiting for solid product (disposable wipes) to be converted into a pseudo-liquid product (more or less disintegrated disposable wipes) in the sewer network, which,...

Background The Sur de Madrid Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is located on the left bank of the River Manzanares and receives wastewater from the Sur sewer (left bank interceptor sewer). This interceptor sewer receives the...

Óscar Martín, CEO at Ecoembes When reviewing 2016, previewing what is already happening in 2017 and looking ahead to the 2020 scenario, we need to explain why Ecoembes is unveiling a vision which goes beyond...

In mid-April, Bulk Handling Systems (BHS) announced the arrival of Max-AI™ technology, an artificial intelligence system that identifies recyclables and other items for recovery. Through deep learning technology, Max-AI employs both multi-layered neural networks and...

The 10 million inhabitants of Mexico City produce 13,000 tonnes of waste per day. Today, two-thirds of this waste is sent to landfill. Each day, this new energy recovery facility will transform nearly one...

Our ongoing objective is to make FuturENVIRO the leading  publication in the waste management and recovery  market and, like last year, our Technical Guides provide a  consultation reference for experts in the recycling industry. We...

  Datos generales y externos El Complejo Ambiental de Juan Grande, hoy denominado Ecoparque Gran Canaria Sur, surge de la necesidad de adecuar las instalaciones que reciben los residuos de todo el Sur y Sureste de...

We begin 2017 with FuturENVIRO’s first special issue of the year on waste, featuring our by now well established section entitled “In depth: Analysis of 2016”. In this section, leading actors and trade associations from...

The RESEAT project has the objective of recovering high-quality seats from end-of-life vehicles (ELV) at authorised vehicle treatment centres (previously known as scrap yards) in the Basque Country. Currently, ELV seats do not tend to...

Nature as the source of inspiration A deafening noise announced that the Japanese bullet train was entering or leaving a tunnel. An unbearable thunderous din for residents of the affected areas. It was urgently necessary...

First it was glass and containers, then paper and board and, since a few years ago, electrical equipment and batteries. For all these waste streams, legislators and experts have considered Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)...

This facility, which will enable 40% of domestic waste to be recycled, is managed by the Consorcio Provincial de Residuos Sólidos Urbanos de Málaga (Malaga Provincial Municipal Solid Waste Consortium). The plant serves 91...

Administrative background and project contextualisation In November 2016, Reciclados Ribera del Xúquer commissioned the 2E Facility of the Consorcio Ribera i Valldigna (Ribera i Valldigna Consortium) Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan, which corresponds to Zonal...

Through the ECOMATEX project, AITEX is working on the research and provision of alternative materials to those commonly used in sectors such as construction, and providing these materials with enhanced features in terms of...

One of the reasons for this lack of attention is that relatively little of this type of waste has been produced due to the long lifecycle of the modules; between 20 and 25 years...

Background In 2002, what was said to be Europe’s most advanced waste treatment facility went into operation in Valladolid. The municipal plant, which has been in operation for almost 15 years, serves the entire province...

Introduction Around 1.6 million tonnes of waste is produced every year in the Barcelona metropolitan area (excluding industrial waste). The Ecoparc de Barcelona is an environmental facility dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of municipal organic...

The AMBA (City of Buenos Aires plus 24 municipalities in the surrounding area) has a population of 13 million and generates a total of 16,000 tonnes of waste per day, between Municipal Solid Waste...

Empresa Ejido Medio Ambiente S.A. was founded in 2001 as the result of a merger between Técnicas Medioambientales Tecmed S.A. and a group of local companies operating in the waste collection and transport sector. Tecmed...

According to the most recent Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs (MAGRAMA) annual report (for the year 2013) on waste generation and management at municipal level, the Ecocentral Granada is the leading Spanish...