REZERO moves towards a zero waste economy in the Balearic Islands

We are collaborating with Rezero to achieve a zero waste economy in the Balearic Islands and to position the archipelago as a European reference territory in terms of waste prevention and reuse.   

With support from Marilles, Rezero has progressed in implementing the prevention and reuse measures provided for in the Balearic Waste Law at regional, island, and municipal levels:   

1. Promoting the implementation of the Deposit Return System (DRS) for beverage containers in the Balearic Islands.  

•  The Balearic government has financed the design of the pilot test in Formentera with €500,000 from the sustainable tourism tax.   
•  A broad economic and social consensus has been achieved: the main political, social and economic actors of Formentera have been informed and involved in the design of the DRS on the island.   
•  The Consell de Mallorca has been involved in the training and preparation of the productive and distribution sector for the implementation of the DRS. More than 20 companies have participated in this training.   

2. Supporting the socioeconomic transition, focusing on the tourism sector and the local production and consumption sector.  

•  Interest in local products in reusable formats is growing.  
•  Local initiatives that contribute sustainability values are gaining visibility and public recognition.   
•  The tourism and HORECA sectors are showing interest in circularity.   

3. Providing political, social, and economic advocacy to change the throwaway model.  

•  A sense of community and movement towards Zero Waste is being generated in the Balearic Islands.   
•  Awareness of alternatives to disposable menstrual products is growing.   
•   Awareness of the health impacts of microplastic contamination is increasing.   
•  There is interest from wineries and the hotel and catering sector to create an ecosystem for the reuse of wine bottles in Mallorca. So far there are 20 wineries interested with 1.7 million bottles.   
• The willingness of some wineries to use a standard bottle model for wine, such as the French model, has been demonstrated.   

4. Accompanying the political changes brought about by the elections at regional and municipal level.

•  Several political parties at regional and state level have incorporated waste prevention measures in their electoral programmes.   
•  The State Waste Law has incorporated some of Rezero's amendments:   
  • Obligatory bulk sale of fruit and vegetables. 
  • Some plastic packaging reduced to 50%.   
  • Reuse targets set for beverage packaging.  
  • Commercial establishments now obliged to incorporate references in reusable packaging.  
  • Implementation of the DRS for beverage containers is mandated if selective collection targets are not achieved.  
  • The use of phthalates and BPA in food packaging is prohibited.   
• Adherence to the #LeyderesiduosYa Declaration for the implementation of the DRS and reusable packaging has been formulated, with more than 100 entities adhering to the manifesto.