This is a procedure which consists of the initial separation of waste, collection of containers which are deposited and separation for future reuse.

This process is also called the recycling and takes place at various recycling plants in Spain. It is a measure to promote ecological reuse leading to the reduction of waste and reducing the consumption of natural resources.

Types of containers

The recycling process begins with the separation of waste at home to deposit later in the containers. Estos se diferencian en: These differ in:

·  Green glass.

·  Yellow: plastic containers and cans.

·  Blue: Paper and paperboard.

Points clean

In addition to these there are other containers placed by municipalities denominated points clean. They are deposited hazardous waste who do not have a specific container.

Among the waste that can be put in these containers are eg batteries, oils, appliances and debris. Each of them has a restriction on quantity and weight.

Recycling Plant

After that the waste is deposited in their respective containers takes place the collection, transportation and recycling of materials.

The collection is carried out by means of specialized trucks, which after reaching the recycling plant waste deposited in containers which are separated organic waste from recyclable through filters.

Organic waste becomes a new plant where, after several cleanings, are subjected to a composting process by which they become compost without damaging the environment.

The reusable waste that has not been properly removed from the container will be classified manually glass, paper and plastic.

Later they moved to some stores where the metal is separated from the rest of the waste by force of several large electromagnets.

After this selection a part of the debris will go to a landfill controlled. The remaining step to be treated by certain distribution companies and preparation of materials recycled for reuse.

Cities that recycle more in Spain

Of the Spanish autonomous communities which have a higher percentage of recycling and composting of waste are Valencia and Cantabria.

They recycle about 70% of its waste. These figures are much higher than the spanish average, which is close to 30%.

Remarks

The collected waste are delegated to the municipalities, which in turn charge this task to other private companies.

Organic waste have a specific type of container, whose color will depend on each town hall. In addition, this type of waste is usually deposited in municipal landfills.