Waste recovery: what it is, types and how to apply it

If you hear ‘waste recovery’ and it sounds like bureaucracy to you, here’s a simple explanation: it’s turning waste into resources (materials, energy or products). Here’s what it is, the different types, the legal framework, examples and a simple plan to get started.

Definition of waste recovery

In the EU, recovery is any operation whose main result is that the waste serves a useful purpose by replacing other materials or preparing it for use as raw material or energy. The Waste Framework Directive establishes this definition and the hierarchy: prevent → reuse → recycle → recover → dispose. In Spain, Law 7/2022 includes and develops these definitions and list of operations (Annex II). BOE

Types of recovery (with practical examples)

• Material recovery (recycling, preparation for reuse): cardboard → recycled paper; scrap metal → steel; glass → new glass; biowaste → quality compost/digestate.

• Energy recovery: non-recyclable fractions → biogas/biomethane (anaerobic digestion) or energy (when recycling is not feasible). IDAE and EEA guidelines highlight its role, always behind recycling in the hierarchy.

Recommendation: conditioning the stream (size, moisture, unsuitable items) with industrial shredders and wood recycling lines reduces costs and improves quality.

Why you should value (data and context)

• Less landfill, more value: the EU is reducing landfill and increasing treatment alternatives. In 2023, municipal recycling stood at around 48%, while landfill continues to decline. European Commission

• Climate and circular economy: recovery and recycling avoids the extraction of raw materials and cuts emissions associated with their processing (EEA, 2024). eea.europa.eu

The essential legal framework (EU and Spain)

• EU – Waste Framework Directive: concepts, definitions (waste, recycling, recovery), hierarchy and principles. Environment

• Official EU glossary – Waste hierarchy: legal priority for prevention and recovery over disposal. eur-lex.europa.eu

• Spain – Law 7/2022 (BOE): recovery and disposal operations (Annexes), obligations and state planning. BOE

• MITECO – Waste Prevention and Management: portal with regulations, transfers and coordination. miteco.gob.es

How to apply valuation in your company (6-step express plan)

1. Waste map + LER: identifies waste streams, quantities and hazards; defines what can be recycled and what can be recovered (material/energy).
2. Segregation at source: marked containers and training (avoids mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste).
3. Smart pre-treatment: shredding/screening/demetalisation to standardise particle size and reduce unsuitable materials (key for recycling and biogas).
4. Destination and contracts: prioritise recycling and preparation for reuse; for non-recyclable materials, consider AD/biogas or energy recovery with authorised waste managers. 
5. Traceability and KPIs: % recycled, % recovered, % to disposal, €/t and unsuitable items; compare them with EEA/Eurostat indicators.
6. Continuous improvement: renegotiate with data, adjust routes and reinforce training.

Typical cases of recovery (sector by sector)

• Municipal: biowaste → compost/digestate (if quality standards are met); non-recyclable waste → energy recovery.
• Industrial: post-consumer wood → board/biomass; post-industrial plastics → recycled pellets; organic sludge → biogas.
• Retail/logistics: cardboard and film → recycling; mixed waste → separation + recovery when there is no alternative.

Conclusion

Waste recovery is not an end in itself: it is part of a strategy that prioritises prevention and recycling, and only uses energy when there is no material alternative. With segregation, pre-treatment and clear contracts, you can turn waste costs into measurable value… and comply with regulations.

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