Zero Waste plan: Barcelona’s strategy regarding circular economy

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At the end of 2017, European Commission presented a new framework plan for establishing a circular economy around the Old continent. This agreement was signed by all the member states, with special goals for each level of administration. Municipalities have a special role in this strategy and are expected to recycle 60% of their overall waste.

The city of Barcelona presented its own plan regarding this issue, called “Zero Waste Plan“. The primary focus of this plan is to progressively reduce generation of waste, with the final goal of reincorporation of all materials back into the production cycle. These present a basis for establishment of a circular economy.

In recent years, many separate actions were promoted and presented by the City Council and serving mayors. All of these were gathered together and formed Zero Waste Plan. Active roles in implementing this strategy took both the public sector, led by the City Council and the private sector, led by various organizations, entities and companies which reside in the city of Barcelona.

The objectives set by the plan are divided into three groups. The first group is composed of general objectives, the prime one being establishment of a circular economy. This will be done through promotion of innovation, all in order to prolong the life cycle of materials. This will further enhance and improve existing production systems and help new ones start.

In addition this, a new culture of consumption will be promoted, with low waste habits and implementation of a model which promotes management systems for production. With implementation of this model, levels of selective recovery and collection of waste will be present, in order to reuse these resources and quantify the commitment to a circular economy.

The second group is composed of quantitative objectives. These promote special policies, which will make other objectives more efficient and productive. The target needed to be reached is recycling level of 60% of municipal waste. The decoupling of generation of waste from economic activity is already set to be at maximum of 1.2 kg per inhabitant on a daily basis. This will be additionally supported by policy to start collection of quality organic fraction, which is set at maximum of 8% by weight of improper.

The third and final group is composed of areas of actions already started by the City Council. These will establish a basis for continuation of the work done during the “Zero Waste Plan”. There are regulations and reduction of taxation for all who prevent, recover and reuse their waste, but also internalize the cost of collection and treatment of these materials. These will be supported by innovative designs, such as participation networks with citizens and green dot networks, which will adopt services for establishment of a circular economy. Moreover, local administration will lead the effort by giving examples to local citizens, which will be implemented through collection, reuse and recovery of materials.

Furthermore, there are also 20 actions which are waiting to be implemented. These will further ensure the continuation of this strategy and enable Barcelona to meet required goals for the year 2030. These planned actions are closely related to the economy, such as waste prevention in local trade, internal green purchase in the City Council, packaging return and similar agendas. These will be coupled with educational fairs, events and green municipal markets. 

The “Zero Waste Plan” will help Barcelona achieve its goals and follow progress made by all major European cities. With this detailed plan, the city will certainly achieve its success in establishing a circular economy. (photo credit: storyset/Freepik)