Andorra's Waste Recycling Lags Far Behind EU Targets

Andorra generates around 37,500 tonnes of urban waste annually, with selective collection at just 28.15%—well below European targets of 55% by 2025 and 65% by 2035.

The figures come from a technical study prepared for the tender of the communal solid urban waste collection service. It shows the "remainder" fraction still dominates at 26,948 tonnes in 2024, reflecting heavy reliance on energy recovery. Other categories lag far behind: 4,317 tonnes of paper and cardboard, 2,728 tonnes of glass, 2,418 tonnes of lightweight packaging, and only 1,092 tonnes of organic waste. The low organic collection stems from its restriction to certain commercial sites, highlighting potential for gains through wider rollout and better separation systems.

Waste volumes have stabilised after post-pandemic recovery, rising 9.7% in 2022 before a 0.7% drop in 2023 and 1.3% increase in 2024. Selective collection has edged up just two points over four years, from 26.06% to 28.15%—too slow to meet the National Waste Plan to 2035 or EU circular economy standards.

Parishes vary widely due to urban density, economic activity, territorial spread, and tourism seasonality. Andorra la Vella, with over 25,000 residents, produces more than 10,900 tonnes yearly (1.19 kg per inhabitant per day) and leads in recovery rates. Escaldes-Engordany exceeds 6,200 tonnes and tops 30% selective collection, followed by La Massana at nearly 4,800 tonnes despite scattered settlements. Sant Julià de Lòria logs around 4,000 tonnes with below-average recovery, tied to its expansive area. Ordino, at just over 1,800 tonnes, has the lowest generation rate but weak collection. Tourism-heavy Encamp and Canillo see winter peaks, though these even out annually.

Structural hurdles include open containers, no user identification, and challenges with pay-per-generation schemes. Government coverage of final treatment costs may also dampen incentives for upgrades.

Proposals call for system reorganisation, enhanced source separation, phased organic waste collection, tighter oversight of major producers, and optimised container placement to cut the remainder fraction and boost material recovery toward EU goals.