In Europe, according to a report just released by the European Environment Agency (EEA), Austria, Germany and Belgium are the countries that recycle the highest proportion of urban waste . In total, 35% of municipal waste was recycled in Europe in 2010, a significant improvement over the 23% recorded in 2001. However, the study indicates that many countries will find it extremely difficult to achieve the EU-imposed targets of recycle 50% of household and similar waste by 2020.
According to the report, the UK increased its recycling rate for municipal waste from 12% to 39% between 2001 and 2010, while Ireland increased recycling rates from 11% to 36% during the same period. . Slovenia, Poland and Hungary have also significantly improved recycling rates since joining the EU.
The highest recycling rates are in Austria , with a rate of 63%, followed by Germany (62%), Belgium (58%) and the Netherlands (51%) , which are the only members that already exceed the target recycling of waste at a percentage of 50%. As for Switzerland , although it is not a member of the European Union, it is considered an exemplary country in the treatment of waste, with a percentage of 51% of urban waste treated and a recycling rate exceeding 95% in materials such as glass . Spain , for its part, is close to 35%.
“The current huge demand for certain materials should alert countries to the obvious economic opportunities offered by recycling activities,” said Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director.
