Belgium the European leader in recycling packaging

19/05/2017

In 2016, Belgium recycled 87.4% of its domestic packaging waste. And no less than 90% of this was usefully employed. A grand result in which all other European countries are left behind.

However, there is also some less positive news to report. In 2016, there was an increase in the operational costs of selective waste collection and recycling, due partly to the fact that extra resources were released to combat litter. In addition, revenue from sales of materials has dropped, mainly because of the decreasing return on PET packaging.

This can all be read in the 2016 annual report issued by the Brussels-based waste processing company Fost Plus vzw. Although there was overall satisfaction, Fost Plus continues to aim higher. It continues to focus its efforts on a more extensive collection of plastic packaging, the sorting of waste outside the home and the battle against litter. The company is starting a strategic study, aimed at creating a realistic action plan to optimise the current system.