Effective Recycling in Europe

PLASTIC RECYCLING

Plastics recovery reach 50% and growth in demand outpace GDP by 50%
The plastics industry publishes its 17th report on trends in production, demand and recovery of plastics called the “Compelling Facts about Plastics 2006”. The report can be downloaded in pdf format or ordered in printed form from the partners.

2006 was the year when recovery of plastics reached the 50% for the first time. Underpinned by strong growth in mechanical recycling as well as energy recovery resulted in 3% points increase over 2005. Recycling rates increased to 19.7% and energy recovery rates to 30.3%.

This was achieved in a year with a strong growth in demand - 4% - to a total of 49.5 million tonnes across EU25+NO,CH exceeding GDP by 50%.

7 countries (representing 29% of the population in EU25+NO/CH) recover more than 80% of their used plastics and are near realising their divert from landfill vision. <Full Report>

BIOWASTE RECYCLING

Potential and Recycling of Biowaste in EU27
Around 29 % or 23 million tons of the estimated total recoverable potential of the 80 million t organic waste fractions is currently separated at the source and treated predominantly through composting. This results in a compost production of around 10 million tons in Europe. <More facts and figures>

Long-term Perspectives for Separate Collection and Recycling of Biowastes in Europe

A survey including benefits and environmental impact from Dr. Kehres, Bundesgütegmeinschaft Kompost e.V. BGK, Köln <Full report>