Estepona collects 1,570 tonnes of glass in 2025 and joins the Green Flags campaign

The coastal municipality recycled 1,570.62 tonnes of glass during 2025, averaging 20.40 kilos per inhabitant, which exceeds both national and provincial averages. It joins the Green Flags Movement of Ecovidrio.

The Estepona Town Hall has confirmed its participation this summer in the Green Flags Movement, the Ecovidrio campaign that recognises coastal municipalities for their management of glass packaging recycling. The municipality undertakes the initiative after having collected 1,570.62 tonnes of this material during 2025, a figure that equates to 20.40 kilograms per inhabitant.

Estepona surpasses national and provincial glass recycling averages

This average places the city above the national average, set at 19.2 kilos per inhabitant, and the provincial average of 18.08 kilos. The municipal network includes 340 green containers, which means there is one collection point for every 147.5 inhabitants, a ratio higher than that recorded across the country. Additionally, there is a door-to-door service aimed at the hospitality sector, which last year allowed for the recovery of 125.14 tonnes of additional material.

For the residents of Estepona, this means that recycling glass is easier than the Spanish average: they have a closer container, and bars and restaurants have specific collection services. The habit of separating green containers reduces CO2 emissions and the consumption of raw materials, a direct benefit for the local environment.

The hospitality sector, key to summer recycling

The campaign focuses on the hospitality sector during the summer months, when nearly half of the single-use glass containers come from bars, restaurants, and beach bars. During this period, around a third of the glass sold in Spain throughout the year is consumed. Environmental educators visit establishments to provide guidance on container separation, facilitate collection, and promote good practices.

The evaluation of the Green Flags Movement also considers the management of other waste, water and energy savings, responsible consumption, and the use of local products. The Town Hall complements these visits with actions aimed at residents and visitors regarding the use of the green container. The goal is for both tourists and residents to maintain the recycling pace during the peak months.

For Estepona readers, the practical recommendation is simple: use the nearest green container (there is one for every 147 residents) and, if you are in the hospitality sector, request the door-to-door service. The campaign runs until September, and the results will be known at the end of summer when Ecovidrio awards the green flags to the best-rated municipalities.