This report set out to provide an independent analysis of the separate collection rate reporting in Spain for single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles of up to three litres.

The study was a seven-month collaboration between Eunomia Research and Consulting and Spanish experts with a detailed knowledge of waste management in Spain. The outcome was a significant finding that challenges the current misconception that Spain is on track to achieve collection rates in line with its own legal requirements, as well as those for the European Union under the Single Use Plastics Directive. The figure of 71% collection of  single-use plastics (SUPD) bottles had been put forward by the PRO Ecoembes, yet our work concluded that this rate is actually 36%.

We estimate that Spain is unlikely to have met its own mandatory separate collection target (70%) for SUPD Bottles in 2023. A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is the only change to collection systems that would enable Spain to move rapidly from a collection rate of 36% in 2021, to the target of 77% set for 2025.

The analysis conducted in this report presents Eunomia’s ‘best estimate’ calculation based on EU calculation and reporting requirements, drawing on good practice used in other major European economies.

English and Spanish versions of the report and executive summary can be downloaded by filling in your details below.