Waste, its management, elimination and recycling, is among the greatest environmental problems that must be faced in this century. We live in a world that is based on excessive consumption, which generates more and more waste, with the dire consequences it has for the environment.
Next we will talk about the 5 countries that recycle the most in the world, the main references in recycling that should serve as a model for the rest. Examples that recycling is not only essential, but also pays off.
Which is the country that recycles the most in the world
Mountains, clocks, banks and chocolate are the main topics that come to mind when we talk about this alpine country but, did you know that Switzerland is also the country that recycles the most in the world? Now we recognize it for its green meadows, its manicured mountains and its impeccable cleanliness, but the truth is that in the 80s this small state was on the brink of an ecological catastrophe. Its rivers were heavily polluted by nitrates and phosphates, its lands by heavy metals, and thousands upon thousands of tons of waste were produced each year. Drastic measures had to be taken and time has shown that this was the best option.
In Swiss recycling is mandatory, in fact, if it is not done, there are fines that can amount up to 10,000 euros. The container classification is very exhaustive, which allows to recycle a large amount of garbage. So much so that in Switzerland it is recycled:
- 93% glass.
- 91% of cans.
- 83% of PET bottles.
Switzerland is the example that one of the best responses to environmental problems is the recycling of waste, something that is increasingly being seen to be good, not only for the environment, but also represents great economic and energy savings .
With large-scale recycling we save money, on the one hand, since recycling is cheaper than manufacturing again, but we also provide an answer to major social and environmental problems.
The 5 countries that recycle the most
Beyond Switzerland, 5 countries that recycle the most worldwide are:
Austria
With a recycling percentage that rises to 63%Austria has fully earned the right to be on the list of countries that recycle the most. The answer to these great results is to be found in the region of Styria, an Austrian federal state that has become a true world benchmark in terms of waste management and recycling. So much so that every year thousands of specialists travel to this State to learn about the policies and actions they undertake in recycling and waste management.
Germany
You don't have to go very far to find the next country on the list, in fact, if you look at it, Central European countries are the ones that top the list of countries that recycle the most in the world. Nowadays, Germany manages to recycle 62% of the total of garbage it generates. This started with a discouragement towards the consumption of plastic bags, but not only that. The exhaustive classifications of waste, government involvement, an ecological education from an early age and a high social awareness is what allows the German country to be a great recycler. An example of the commitment of German society is the supermarket without packaging, which was born in this country and is causing a sensation.
Belgium
Belgium has a 58% recycling rateHowever, if we look specifically at the Flanders region, the rate of recycled waste amounts to 75%, one of the highest on the continent and in the world. These wastes are separated into 3 main actions: either they are reused, or they are recycled or they are transformed into compost.
Netherlands
Finally, the country that closes this list of more recyclers is the Netherlands, with a recycling rate increasing to 51%, a figure that they expect to rise in a very few years. But it would be unfair to evaluate the Netherlands solely for its waste management and recycling, even if it is one of the best in the world. The reality is that this country surely has the best environmental policy in the world, beyond recycling, they are true leaders in water management, energy use and government actions such as the construction of roads with recycled plastic, helping to reduce as much as possible the ecological footprint.
How much is recycled in Spain
In recent years it seems that Spain is putting the batteries in terms of recycling is concerned. It is true that it started from very low percentages, however, it is meritorious that once and for all it has conspired to reverse some figures that were disastrous. Nowadays, 33% of waste is recycled in Spain, arriving at 42.5% of plastics. These figures are highly improvable, in fact, they should be improvable. Recycling and increasing rates is not only necessary and good for both the economy and the environment, but it is a legal duty imposed by the European Union on each of its member states.
In 2025, all EU countries must be at a recycling minimum of 55%, thus, Spain still has a lot of work to do and thus approach the levels of Central European countries.
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