Waste management experts highlight importance of separating liquids from recyclables

Effective recycling relies on clean, dry waste streams, yet the presence of liquids in recyclable materials remains a significant challenge for waste management in offices, schools, and public spaces. When containers are discarded with leftover juices, dairy, or oils, the fluids can contaminate entire batches of materials, particularly paper and cardboard, which lose their industrial utility when wet.

In Spain, data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that in 2021, business and industrial activities generated approximately 115.4 million tons of waste, accounting for 80% of the total. Furthermore, in 2022, 17.8 million tons of urban waste were collected as mixed waste, compared to 5.2 million tons collected separately for recycling. This highlights the impact of improper separation.

To mitigate these issues, experts suggest implementing specific stations with dedicated deposits to separate liquids from dry recyclables. Simple actions, such as emptying and quickly rinsing containers, can optimize the circular economy by reducing treatment costs, preventing materials from being diverted to landfills or incineration, and maintaining the commercial value of recovered resources.