Recycling challenges and pioneering European startups
Recycling Progress in Europe: Navigating recycling challenges and the innovations brought by the European startups.
In recent years, European Union (EU) countries have increased their recycling rates yet concerns rises as the pace of progress appears to be decelerating, according to experts. Despite the overall positive trend, a closer look reveals that only 38 per cent of the 4.8 tonnes of waste generated per average EU citizen in 2020 was recycled. Additionally, in certain member states, over 60 per cent of household waste still finds its way to landfills (Euronew.green, 2023).
Recycling stands as a vital strategy in diminishing the consumption of primary resources, by substituting these materials with secondary ones that have already undergone at least one-use cycle, recycling plays a crucial role in fostering sustainability. As Europe strives for a fully circular economy, we explore the major problems, definitions, and the role of European startups at the forefront of recycling initiatives.
An important step is to understand the different definitions of Europe´s waste challenges. A pivotal distinction lies in waste treatment, which is categorized into two main streams: recovery and disposal. Recovery encompasses recycling, energy recovery, and backfilling—a process involving the use of waste to reshape excavated areas like gravel pits and underground mines. On the other hand, disposal covers landfilling and incineration.
In 2020, a staggering 1,971 million tonnes of waste underwent treatment in the EU (Euronew.green, 2023). However, it´s essential to note that this figure, excluding exports and inclusive of imports, isn't directly comparable to the bloc's total waste generation.
Many startups are now focusing on new recycling technologies to transform waste into valuable resources. From plastic-to-fuel conversion to innovative methods for recycling electronic waste, these initiatives contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
Notably, the current year has seen a substantial uptick, with over 30% of total applications explicitly dedicated to the recycling industry, spotlighting the emphasis on inventive solutions within this critical sector.
The range of materials being recycled is diverse, including human hair, plastic transformed into oil, coffee waste into cups, microorganisms into fertilizers, and spent lithium batteries into raw material.
While the EU has made notable progress in waste treatment and recycling, the need for continued efforts is evident. As Europe charts its course towards a circular economy, addressing the nuances of waste management, including the disparity in recycling rates among member states, is essential.
The journey toward a sustainable future relies on refining strategies, implementing innovative solutions, and fostering a collective commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle across the continent.
Let us continue fostering collaboration and information sharing among EU countries to further improve recycling strategies.