More than 450 catering establishments in Benidorm are added to Ecovidrio summer recycling campaign

More than 450 restaurants in Benidorm have joined Ecovidrio summer campaign that aims to increase the recycling of glass containers during the summer, a period in which 30% of the annual collection is concentrated. The campaign 'Take note, recycle glass' is focused on promoting recycling among the hospitality sector, responsible for "almost 50% of the waste of single-use glass containers" that are generated, as reported today by the councilor of Environment, José Ramón González de Zárate, and Roberto Fuentes, manager of Ecovidrio in Levante area.

De Zárate stressed that "year after year the participation in this campaign grows" as a result of "the awareness of the hoteliers and also of the citizens in general". In fact, it has gone from the 360 ​​participating establishments in 2016 to more than 450 this summer. Glass recycling figures have also increased exponentially in the city: 3,686,860 kilos in 2016 compared to 3,800,270 kilos last year. These "spectacular" data -according to De Zárate- show a balance of 57 kilos of recycled glass per inhabitant per year, "four times more than the average for the Valencian Community", said Fuentes.

The dynamics of 'Take note, recycle glass' campaign is simple. Benidorm staff hired by the company "will make more than 1,350 information and awareness visits" to participating establishments. To facilitate recycling, Ecovidrio has installed new containers and vinyl with summer motifs, and plans to deliver 170 pails to transport the containers.

According to detailed sources, the establishments adhering to the initiative will compete during the summer and may follow their position in the ranking through the web www.tomanotareciclavidrio.es. Locals more committed to the recycling of glass containers and achieve higher score, "will receive as a prize a master class with a chef of recognized prestige", specifically with Quique Dacosta, which has to his credit with three Michelin Stars.

Both the Councilor for the Environment and Ecovidrio manager have been convinced that in this summer campaign "will exceed" the figures of the three previous editions, thus following the trend of the first half of the year. A first semester in which "the recycling of glass has grown by 5%" with respect to the same period of 2017.

Study on habits of Valencian citizens on the beach

Ecovidrio has carried out a study to "know the Valencian citizens' concern for sustainability and their preferences when it comes to enjoying summer plans". This survey reveals that for 90% of the population the absence of waste in water and sand is a determining factor to go to the square. Also, when choosing an establishment, they prefer those that show respect for the environment - in terms of recycling, responsible use of resources and integration with the environment - this being the second most valued aspect behind local hygiene.