Where do we come from and where are we going to

Collection

At the ECOP4RC Consortium area the current selective collection model started in 1980 with glass. Paper and cardboard were added in 1985; light packaging (plastic and metal), in 1997; finally organic matter collection has been fully deployed in 2010.

Gràfic de contenidors i anys d’inici de recollida

Prevention and treatment

At the same time, since the first program on waste treatment in the Barcelona metropolitan area in 1997, our system has changed from being based on waste disposal to emphasize the prevention of waste and building all the facilities needed to recover materials and energy from different streams, including refuse.

Mapa àmbit consorci amb totes les plantes EMSHTR i d’altres a Anoia i Baix Llobregat

Future

Waste production has started to decouple from the growth of gross domestic product (GDP).

Besides, with the increasing shortage of material resources and the growing competence to obtain them, recycling will be more and more viable in several waste streams. Improvements in citizen's sorting skills and treatment techniques will be needed.