Ecovidrio, the non-profit organization responsible for the management of the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain, in collaboration with Dénia City Council, has launched the summer campaign Green Banderas Movement in Dénia. The initiative aims to recognize with that environmental award the 2 coastal municipalities of the Valencian Community most committed to the fight against climate change and the protection of the coast through the recycling of glass containers. Even 203 establishments in Dénia have confirmed that they will collaborate to get the green flag for their neighbors.
The incidence of tourism and the increase in consumption makes the summer months a key stage for the selective collection of glass containers, since a third of all waste recovered annually is recycled. In addition, bars, restaurants and beach bars are responsible for 52% of glass container waste generated by what is a key sector for a real transition to a circular economy model.
Ecovidrio has announced that it will work side by side with the city council to reinforce the summer operation and facilitate the collaboration of citizens and, especially, of hoteliers. For this, up to 609 training and information visits will be made to establishments, special recycling bins will be delivered, new vinyl containers will be installed with summer motifs and collection frequencies will be increased.
Among the requirements to qualify for a Green Flag, each of the participating municipalities must increase the selective collection of glass containers during the summer months, as well as encourage the participation of hoteliers in this campaign.
Dénia will be one of the 41 municipalities in total of the Valencian Community that will involve their neighbors, hoteliers and public administrations to get one of the 2 green flags that are delivered in their region. In total, throughout Spain, 136 municipalities and more than 15.000 establishments have already joined the movement.
While all municipalities that improve their own brands will be recognized, only the most committed 2 will raise the green Ecovidrio flag. The criteria that will be taken into account for the winning ranking are the tons of containers collected on the objective, the number of participating hoteliers per municipality or the municipality's collaboration in communication and mobilization campaigns.
In addition, as an incentive for participation, the premises most committed to the recycling of glass containers and reaching a higher score, will receive as a prize a master class with Quique Dacosta, recognized chef with three Michelin Stars.
2018, record year in selective collection through the green container
According to the latest available data for 2018, Dénia citizens recycled a total of 1.724.920 kilograms of glass container waste. This means an average of 41,3 kilograms of glass per person.
Regarding the rate of containerization, Dénia stands with an average of 114 inhabitants per container, currently having a total of 365 igloos for waste glass containers installed in the municipality.
According to the latest data related to 2018, Spanish citizens recycled a total 893.928 tons of glass container waste, an 9% more than 2017, which is the largest increase in the last decade.
Each citizen deposited an average of 18 kilograms of glass containers per inhabitant, 68 containers per person.
By Autonomous Communities, Balearic Islands (30kg / IPH), Euskadi (27,5 kg / hab), La Rioja (27,5 kg / hab), Navarra (25,9 kg / hab) and Catalunya (21,4 kg / hab) lead the packaging recycling ranking of glass in 2018. In the Valencian community with 85.671 tons of recycled glass in 2018 we are at an average of 17,3kg / hab.
