REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE HEALTH, ECOLOGY AND LESS POLLUTION
RATIO OF RECYCLED GARBAGE ON TOTAL WASTE GENERATED IN EUROPE Latest available trends show that recycling rates for both municipal waste and packaging waste have increased substantially: recycling rates for municipal waste increased by 13 percentage points between 2004 and 2014, and recycling rates for packaging waste by 10 percentage points between 2005 and 2013. In 2014, 43 % of the municipal waste generated in the EU-27 and Norway was recycled, while in 2013, 65 % of packaging waste generated was recycled. These improvements are, among others, driven by EU targets for the recycling of these two waste streams introduced in 1994 and 2008, respectively. Higher overall recycling rates for packaging waste compared to municipal waste probably result from the earlier introduction of packaging waste targets, producer responsibility schemes and the relative ease of recycling packaging waste from commercial sources.
RECYCLING REMAINS A RARITY IN EASTERN EUROPE
RECYCLING GLASS Latest industry data published by the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) – show that the EU28 average recycling rate for glass packaging hits the 73% mark for the  first time. Over 25 billion glass containers continue to be recycled in a bottle to bottle closed loop making glass a model of the circular economy. Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and Germany continue to be the best performers and to record striking rates . Italy, the Netherlands and Malta improved on previous years. However, it is Eastern Europe that is catching up as the industry begins to address the glass recycling challenges in these countries.
RECYCLING PAPER Since 2000, the European paper value chain has demonstrated its commitment to the two-fold aim of increasing recycling rates and joining efforts to remove obstacles hampering paper recycling in Europe. Consistent with this, in 2011, the signatories of the European Declaration on Paper Recycling declared their commitment to reach 70% paper recycling by 2015. And we not only achieved but exceeded this target. In 2015, 71.5% of all paper consumed in Europe was recycled, corresponding to 1.2 million tonnes more than the 70% target.Paper consumption has slightly increased compared to 2014, reaching 82.5 million tonnes. Compared to the base year of the Declaration (2010), collection and recycling of paper has increased by 1.4%, corresponding to 0.8 million tonnes of paper.
RECYCLING PLASTIC The plastic industry is an important sector of the European economy. The European plastics demand reached 49.9 million tonnes in 2016 (Plastics Europe), with packaging, building and construction, and automotive markets being the most dominant ones for plastics. The biggest source of plastic waste is packaging and consequently it makes up 62% of all the collected plastic waste in Europe. Â In 2016, out of the 27.1 Mt of plastics waste collected, 8.43 Mt were recycled and 11.27 Mt were incinerated. Recycling and energy recovery rates are increasing, while the share of plastic waste going to landfills is decreasing (Plastics Europe): * Collected for recycling: 26,3% (2012) vs. 31.1% (2016) * Energy recovery: 35.8% (2012) vs. 41.6% (2016) * Landfill: 38.1% (2012) vs. 27.3% (2016)
TIPS & TRICKS
1. REDUCE, REUSE…… AND RECYCLE While it may not seem like part of recycling, reducing the amount of materials you use and reusing items instead of tossing them can assist in your recycling endeavors
2. RECYCLE BATTERIES AT HOME DEPOT Use a battery jar to recycle batteries and hazardous waste.
3. BUY RECYCLED If you are recycling to minimize your carbon footprint, it makes sense to use the same principles when purchasing new items. In addition, items that are made from recycled goods are likely to be recyclable again once you are finished using them.
4. HAVE A BIN IN EVERY ROOM Ask the majority of recycling families where their bins are and you will likely receive a resounding collective of “in the kitchen”. Place a bin in the bathroom to collect cardboard toilet paper rolls, empty product containers; and in the office or craft room, you can collect printer paper, bottles, old files, pamphlets, and flyers.
5. RECYCLE OLD APPLIANCES & TECH PRODUCTS With the massive amounts of technology in the world today, the landfills are brimming with defunct computer systems, cellular phones, televisions, printers, and more. Instead of ditching your obsolete tech toys into the trash can, call your local electronics store to see whether they provide a recycling option. Many electronics stores will actually take back certain items and provide a credit, or can put you in touch with companies to assist you. The manufacturer of many products also accepts unwanted items that can be refurbished or used for parts.
6. IF YOU DON´T LOVE SOMETHING, LET IT GO. Lots of charities welcome your donations. Make it a rule in your house that nothing usable goes in the trash until you've given the community a fair shot at it. Give away clothes that don't fit, the boxes you used in your last house move, or scented soaps that don't appeal to your sensibilities.
7. ENCOURAGE AN ARTIST. If you know someone interested in making art from recycled materials, offer to provide supplies. Many school children need items like paper towel tubes for art projects.Â
8. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN´T RECYCLE Read up on the recycling rules for your area and make sure you don't send anything in that can't be processed. There's real recycling, and there's greenwashed recycling and knowing the difference can help you avoid encouraging companies from 'fake feel-good' recycling.
Disclaimer The present publication has been assembled by Asociación para la Participación, Oportunidad y Desarrollo (Asociación P.O.D.), with care and to the best of the authors' knowledge. Despite this, Asociación P.O.D. does not guarantee the correctness or comprehensiveness of the information in this publication, and no rights can be derived from its content. Asociación P.O.D. does not accept any liability or responsibility for the content of this publication. The content of the publication, such as text, graphics, images and other material and information contained are for informational purposes only. This publication has been created in the context of the project HEALTH AND ECOLOGY: LESS POLLUTION (H.E.L.P.), which wants to develop a network among young people in four different countries to enhance the awareness of environmental issues. H.E.L.P., reference number 2017-2-IS02-KA105-001750, is a project organized in a partnership with Menntaskólinn á Tröllaskaga – Iceland, Siauliu “Romuvos” gimnazija – Lithuania and Gausdal Videregaende Skole, Pierre de Coubertin – Norway, with the support of the Erasmus+ Programe of the European Union. "The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein."
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