EU Recycling Statistics
The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of waste management and recycling, consistently seeking to improve its recycling rates and waste management systems. The European Parliament has enacted various directives and regulations to ensure the efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste. This article will examine the EU recycling statistics for 2022, providing an analysis of waste recycled, energy recovery, and packaging waste in the region.
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5 tonnes of waste is produced by the average European each year
The average is 5 tonnes of total waste generated per capita. Belgium (6 tonnes) and the Netherlands (8 tonnes) are slightly above the EU average.
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The recycling rate of municipal waste in the EU was estimated at 47.8% in 2020
In 2020, the recycling rate of waste in the EU was estimated to be 47.8% – a decrease from 48.1% the previous year.
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Over 60% of household waste still goes to landfill in some EU countries
Whilst a high percentage of waste still goes to landfill in many EU countries, targets have been increased and schemes implemented to help lower this percentage. Some EU countries with the best recycling systems include Germany, Austria, and Wales.
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In Europe, energy recovery is the most used way to dispose of plastic waste, followed by recycling. Some 25% of all the generated plastic waste is landfilled.
Nearly a third of plastic waste in Europe is recycled. Energy recovery is also used to dispose of plastic waste, which is the conversion of non-recyclable waste into usable energy such as heat, fuel or electricity.
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In June 2019, the EU adopted new rules to target the issue of plastic marine litter. It includes a 25% target for recycled content in plastic bottles by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
In recent years we are seeing the huge impact that single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, are having on our oceans. This is why the EU has adopted this target, and is working toward recycling more of these materials and reducing plastic pollution.
Boost Recycling Rates For The EU
If you are a business located in the UK, our team can collect and recycle your waste materials. We recycle waste such as plastic, cardboard, paper and even some hazardous items. Get in touch providing your type, quantity and location of waste. We can then arrange a collection day and a rebate offer for your materials.
