Page 36 - U4SSC Factsheet, Valencia, Spain, June 2020

Waste

Category KPI Result Performance to Benchmark SDG

Solid Waste: Landfill 63.50 %

Solid Waste: Burnt 0.00 %

Solid Waste: Incinerated 0.00 %

Solid Waste: Open 0.00 %
Dump

Solid Waste: Recycled 14.76 %

Solid Waste: Other 21.74 %

All cities are recommended to prioritize solid waste recycling in a regulated facility, or solid waste
incineration that leads to energy production, over all other forms of disposal. It is recommended that
Valencia develops its recycling capability and culture further, which should be a focus of its future
sustainability strategy.

Optimizing waste recycling: As part of this recommendation, other steps that cities or regions such
as Valencia can take to increase their recycling rates include the following best practices: 20

• Enhance (for non-recyclers) and reinforce (for recyclers) public communication and outreach in order to
increase overall public participation in recycling.
• Evaluate the recyling markets and pricing levels for materials.
• Modify collection techniques in order to enhance programme efficiency and diversity as part of a strategic
plan.
• Legislate and fund smart recycling that utilizes ICTs in waste management.

The city is moving in this direction by introducing smart recycling soon through the deployment of
sensors in waste and recycling containers that will wirelessly monitor fullness levels (i.e. weight and
volume), as well as temperature. This will reduce the cost and resources required to optimize waste
hauling in the North and South territories, where hauling of selective waste (e.g. recyclable glass and
plastic) is more critical and expensive. 21

For more information on any specific projects already planned or underway, please see the section on
‘Goals and Projects for a Smart Sustainable Future’.

30 U4SSC Factsheet | Valencia, Spain | June 2020