The Mataró City Council and over 180 hospitality establishments are participating this summer in the seventh edition of the Ecovidrio Green Flags Movement, which recognises commitment to glass recycling and the circular economy.
Mataró is once again applying for the Green Flag for Sustainability awarded by Ecovidrio. A total of 180 bars, restaurants, and beach bars in the city have joined the seventh edition of the campaign, which rewards coastal municipalities and hospitality businesses that manage glass packaging recycling best during the summer.
In total, 18 municipalities in Catalonia are participating, of which only two will receive the award. Last year, Canet de Mar and Calella, both in the Maresme region, achieved this. Additionally, two hospitality establishments will be recognised for their good environmental practices, evaluating initiatives such as improvements in waste management, energy and water consumption, or sustainable purchasing. In 2024, one of the awarded restaurants was from Mataró.
At the national level, the campaign includes over 120 municipalities and more than 12,000 restaurants, bars, and beach bars. To qualify for the Green Flag, each locality must meet requirements such as increasing the volume of selective glass collection compared to the previous year, achieving participation from at least 50% of local hospitality establishments, and promoting the initiative within the sector.
Ecovidrio's environmental educators have already visited the establishments in Mataró. In total, 147 visits with interviews of responsible staff have been conducted, and the results show that the vast majority of venues correctly separate glass (144), light packaging (141), paper and cardboard (145), organic fraction (145), and used oil (128). The aim of these visits is to advise and motivate hospitality businesses to improve their recycling practices.
The campaign responds to the increase in glass packaging generation in coastal areas during the summer. According to Ecovidrio, during this period, one-third of the glass packaging put into circulation is consumed, and nearly 50% of single-use glass waste comes from the hospitality sector. To facilitate collection, the entity has installed 200 new containers and has provided nearly 1,300 wheeled bins free of charge to hospitality establishments.
In the last edition of the Green Flags Movement, 17,400 tonnes of glass packaging were collected in Catalonia. By participating, Mataró reinforces its commitment to a more circular model with lower carbon emissions. The winning municipalities will receive the Green Flag and develop an environmental awareness project to engage citizens in recycling.
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