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Benidorm has once again been crowned the Valencian Community’s top recycler, earning Ecovidrio’s coveted Bandera Verde Award after collecting more than 1.2 million kilos of glass this summer – a five-year winning streak that proves sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand. A record-breaking summer for glass recycling Benidorm has clinched the Bandera Verde 2025, Ecovidrio’s Green Flag, after recycling 1,248,620 kilograms of glass between June and August – a 9.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The city also achieved a record 3,353 points in the environmental organisation’s scoring system, outpacing every other municipality in the Valencian Community. The award, which recognises excellence in recycling and coastal sustainability, forms part of Ecovidrio’s nationwide “Movimiento Banderas Verdes” – a summer initiative involving more than 180 coastal towns and 15,000 hospitality venues across Spain. Benidorm’s councillor for the Environment, Mónica Gómez, said the recognition “reflects the collective effort of our hospitality sector and residents, who continue to make recycling part of the city’s DNA.” Tourism meets sustainability The success is especially striking given Benidorm’s status as one of Spain’s busiest tourist destinations. During the summer peak, glass consumption can rise by more than 40 per cent, largely driven by the hospitality industry – which accounts for around half of all glass packaging waste generated nationwide. Over 300 local hotels, bars and restaurants took part in this year’s campaign, helping the city avoid an estimated 724 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Participating venues were provided with green containers, collection support and visibility within the campaign, which has become a hallmark of environmental leadership among Spain’s coastal resorts. How the Green Flag is won Ecovidrio’s Bandera Verde is awarded based on three main criteria: the total volume of glass recycled, participation of the hospitality sector, and local promotion of the initiative. Each town earns points in these categories, with bonuses for growth over previous years and communication efforts that engage residents and visitors. This year, only two Valencian municipalities earned the Green Flag distinction, and Benidorm came out on top once again – its fifth consecutive win since 2021. Across Spain, winners also included Mijas (Andalucia) and Mazarron (Murcia), both recognised for innovative local engagement and record recycling tonnage. A model for coastal cities Spain’s national glass recycling rate reached over 71 per cent in 2024, surpassing the European Union’s 2025 target of 70 per cent, and Ecovidrio aims to exceed 80 per cent by 2030. Benidorm’s achievement highlights how urban tourism centres can balance high visitor numbers with strong environmental performance — provided the right systems, incentives, and community commitment are in place. Ecovidrio spokespersons have also credited the rise of “smart” recycling tactics – including AI-based collection mapping, door-to-door HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés) pickups, and public awareness drives – as key to sustaining growth across Spain’s coast. Benidorm’s green future For Benidorm, the Green Flag is both a badge of honour and a motivator for what’s next. “We’ve shown that even in a city that never sleeps, sustainability doesn’t have to stop,” said Gómez. “Our goal now is to keep innovating, educating, and setting the standard for others to follow.” As part of its reward, Benidorm will also receive a municipal nature restoration initiative sponsored by Ecovidrio – a symbolic closing of the loop between urban progress and environmental care. With another record year behind it, Benidorm’s green momentum shows no sign of slowing – and its glass bins tell the story of a city that truly knows how to celebrate summer sustainably, while enjoying a drink or two.
