5 Things London Can Learn From Barcelona’s Recycling System

British history is full of great battles: the Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Waterloo, and now the most perplexing of all – Rishi Sunak’s battle against seven bins. London’s recycling system is complex, inconsistent, and frustrating for many residents. But could the sunny streets of Barcelona hold the answers? Here are five things London can learn from Barcelona’s recycling system.

1. Standardisation Across the City

Barcelona has embraced a city-wide recycling system with consistent bin colours, clear signage, and centralised collection points. This simplifies the process for residents, no matter where they live. In contrast, London’s decentralised approach – with 33 boroughs implementing their own rules – creates confusion. A Londoner in Camden may face completely different recycling requirements than someone in Tower Hamlets, even though they’re only a few miles apart.

By adopting a unified approach to recycling, London could make it easier for residents to know what goes where, reducing contamination and improving recycling rates.

Barcelona's standardised bin system

2. Focus on Education and Communication

Barcelona’s emphasis on educating its citizens about recycling has been a game-changer. Through multilingual campaigns and community initiatives, residents are taught what belongs in each bin and why it matters. Clear communication empowers people to recycle correctly and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

London has room to improve in this area. While some boroughs, like Camden, use leaflets, social media, and reward schemes, these efforts vary widely. A more cohesive, city-wide communication strategy would ensure all Londoners are on the same page.

3. Tackling Single-Use Plastics

Spain has adopted progressive legislation to ban certain single-use plastics and enforce producer responsibility. These measures not only reduce waste at the source but also align with EU recycling targets. Barcelona’s recycling rate of 40% reflects these efforts, compared to London’s 33%.

London can follow Barcelona’s lead by implementing stricter regulations on manufacturers, ensuring that packaging is recyclable, and pushing for a circular economy approach. A focus on prevention at the production level could transform waste management across the city.

The Spanish government taxes any non-reusable plastic packaging at EUR 0.45 per Kg

4. Making Recycling Accessible

With 82% of Barcelona’s residents living in apartments, the city has adapted its recycling system to suit high-density urban living. Regular collection schedules and conveniently located recycling points make it easy for everyone to participate.

London faces similar challenges, particularly in densely populated boroughs. However, the city could improve accessibility by ensuring that all residents, including those in flats and high-rises, have equal access to effective recycling facilities.

5. A Unified Vision for the Future

Both cities have ambitious goals for the future. Barcelona aims to recycle 70% of packaging by 2030 and reduce landfill waste to 10% by 2035. London plans to become a zero-waste city, with a target of recycling 65% of its municipal waste by 2030. However, achieving these goals will require investment in technology, better collaboration between boroughs, and clear national policies.

By studying Barcelona’s cohesive approach, London can create a unified vision that addresses the challenges of its decentralised system and takes bold steps towards sustainability.

London mayor Sadiq Kahn pledged to make London a zero-waste city in 2017

Final Thoughts

Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. By learning from Barcelona’s successes, London can simplify its system, engage its citizens, and improve recycling rates. The key is standardisation, education, and a shared commitment to sustainability.

It’s time for London to put these lessons into practice and take the confusion out of recycling. The battle isn’t over yet.