Which are the countries that recycle the most in the world

Mountains, clocks, banks and chocolate are the main topics that come to mind when we talk about this alpine country, but did you know that Switzerland is also the country that recycles the most in the world ? Now we recognize it for its green meadows, its manicured mountains and its impeccable cleanliness, but the truth is that in the 80s this small state was on the brink of an ecological catastrophe. Its rivers were heavily polluted by nitrates and phosphates, its lands by heavy metals, and thousands upon thousands of tons of waste were produced each year. Drastic measures had to be taken and time has shown that this was the best option.

In Switzerland recycling is mandatory, in fact, if it is not done, there are fines that can amount up to 10,000 euros. The classification of the containers is very exhaustive , which allows recycling a large amount of the garbage. So much so that in Switzerland it is recycled:

• 93% glass.
• 91% of cans.
• 83% of PET bottles.

Switzerland is an example that one of the best responses to environmental problems is the recycling of waste, something that is increasingly being seen to be good, not only for the environment, but also represents great economic and energy savings .

With large-scale recycling we manage, on the one hand, to save money, since recycling is cheaper than manufacturing again, but we also provide an answer to major social and environmental problems.

Beyond Switzerland, the 5 countries that recycle the most in the world are:

Austria

With a recycling rate that rises to 63% , Austria has fully earned the right to be on the list of countries that recycle the most. The answer to these great results is to be found in the region of Styria, an Austrian federal state that has become a true global benchmark in terms of waste management and recycling. So much so that every year thousands of specialists travel to this State to learn about the policies and actions they undertake in recycling and waste management.

Germany

You don’t have to go far to find the next country on the list, in fact, if you look at it, Central European countries are the ones that top the list of countries that recycle the most in the world. At present, Germany manages to recycle 62% of the total garbage it generates. This started with a discouragement towards the consumption of plastic bags, but not only that. The exhaustive classifications of waste, government involvement, an ecological education from an early age and a high social awareness is what allows the German country to be a great recycler. An example of the commitment of German society is the supermarket without packaging , which was born in this country and is causing a sensation.

Belgium

Belgium has a recycling rate of 58% , however, if we look specifically at the Flanders region, the rate of recycled waste amounts to 75%, one of the highest on the continent and in the world. These wastes are separated into 3 main actions: they are either reused, or they are recycled or they are transformed into compost.

Netherlands

Finally, the country that closes this list of more recyclers is the Netherlands, with a recycling rate that increases to 51% , a figure that they expect to increase in a very few years. But it would be unfair to evaluate the Netherlands solely for its waste management and recycling, even if it is one of the best in the world. The reality is that this country surely has the best environmental policy in the world, beyond recycling, they are true leaders in water management, energy use and government actions such as the construction of roads with recycled plastic, helping to reduce as much as possible the ecological footprint.

In recent years it seems that Spain is putting the batteries in terms of recycling is concerned. It is true that it started from very low percentages, however, it is meritorious that once and for all it has conspired to reverse some figures that were dire. Currently, 33% of waste is recycled in Spain , reaching 42.5% of plastics . These figures are very improvable, in fact, they should be improved. Recycling and increasing rates is not only necessary and good for both the economy and the environment, but it is a legal duty imposed by the European Union on each of its member states.

In the year 2025, all EU countries must be at a recycling minimum of 55%, therefore, Spain still has a lot of work to do and thus approach the levels of Central European countries.

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