Andorra Takes Over Paper Waste Management, Awards Contracts for Oils

The Andorran government has taken over management of paper and cardboard from municipal selective collection for the first time, a responsibility previously held by parish councils, and awarded the contract to Eco Grup Internacional, SA.

This move expands the public waste management model outlined in the Waste Law, adding to the executive's existing oversight of packaging, glass, and refuse. The Council of Ministers approved the concession following a competitive bidding process in which Eco Grup, already providing the service to some municipalities, received the highest score. The company must ensure proper handling, recovery, and valorisation of the material within circular economy channels.

In parallel, the government granted Feper, SLU a concession for collecting, storing, and valorising used mineral oils, classified as hazardous waste with pollution risks. All producers are now required to deliver these oils to Feper, enabling centralized control, traceability, and final treatment by authorized facilities. The aim is to eliminate fragmented management circuits and guarantee appropriate handling from collection to recovery.

Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal stated that the changes will bolster waste traceability, boost recycling rates, and centralize public control over key waste streams. Neither service will burden public finances, as contractors will cover costs via producer fees—soon to be published in the official gazette BOPA—and income from recovered materials. Costs for paper and cardboard management will align with collection volumes and international market prices, estimated at roughly €13,000 monthly.