Spain’s economy generated 7.1% more waste in 2024 than in the previous year

Spain’s economy generated 7.1% more waste in 2024 than in the previous year

In 2024, the Spanish economy recorded a significant increase in total waste generation, exceeding 120 million tons. This growth encompasses both non-hazardous and hazardous waste, driven primarily by productive sectors, notably construction and waste management, while households contribute a smaller but growing share. The treatment of these wastes shows an improvement in recyclability, as more than half of the total managed waste was recycled. Although landfills remain a relevant option, there is a positive trend toward material recovery, with the most populous autonomous communities leading the selective collection of various types of recyclable materials according to their industrial and demographic characteristics. This information is crucial for the open data movement, as official statistics from the National Statistics Institute (INE) provide a transparent and accessible foundation for analyzing environmental efficiency. By making these data public, accountability is facilitated, citizens are enabled to assess progress toward sustainability, and informed decision-making based on real evidence regarding the national waste lifecycle is promoted.

Source: publico.es
Published on 2026-11-11