Lorraine Williamson
Benidorm achieved a record year for waste recycling in 2024, marking a significant step forward in its sustainability journey. Compared with the previous year, waste separation in the city rose by almost 15%, highlighting growing public awareness and responsibility among residents and businesses.
According to Mónica Gómez, Benidorm’s councillor for the environment, increased awareness among locals has directly contributed to this positive shift. “The community’s active participation in recycling is essential,” she noted, praising citizens’ commitment.
Dramatic rise in electronic and hazardous waste
The largest surge occurred in electronic waste, including discarded appliances and hazardous materials. Electronic waste alone almost doubled, increasing from 45,656 kilos in 2023 to 88,445 kilos in 2024. Hazardous substances, such as fire extinguishers and pressure vessels containing harmful gases, also saw significant rises—from just 115 kilos to 1,830 kilos, and from 245 kilos to 2,720 kilos, respectively.
Proper recycling of electronic and hazardous waste is vital to prevent environmental contamination, safeguard human health, and enable the recovery of valuable materials. These improvements demonstrate residents’ growing understanding of the importance of correctly disposing hazardous and electronic materials, crucial for effective waste treatment.
Construction and other waste categories
Construction debris remains Benidorm’s largest single waste category, accounting for nearly 4 million kilos in 2024. Recycling construction waste reduces landfill use and conserves natural resources. Other significant amounts collected included 84,500 kilos of metal, 149,140 kilos of garden waste, and 2,245 litres of vegetable oil. Smaller, yet notable, volumes included fluorescent tubes (1,341 kilos), aerosol cans (285 kilos), and contaminated plastic packaging (640 kilos).
Free waste disposal facilities for residents
Benidorm offers both fixed and mobile ecoparks, providing free waste disposal for residents. The mobile facilities travel daily through neighbourhoods, collecting everything from glass and cardboard to hazardous materials like motor oil, medicines, and batteries.
Future optimism for recycling
Gómez expressed confidence in ongoing progress, urging continued participation from residents and visitors alike. “As awareness increases, we anticipate even better recycling figures in the future,” she concluded.
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