Belgium ranks among top in Europe for plastic packaging recycling

Belgium has secured second place in the European Union for plastic packaging recycling, with over half of its plastic waste being recycled, according to figures released by Eurostat on Thursday. 

In 2022, Belgium recycled 54% of its plastic packaging waste, just behind Slovakia, which leads with 60%. Germany and Slovenia also performed well, each recycling 51% of their plastic waste. On the other end of the spectrum, countries like Malta (16%), Denmark (23%), and France and Austria (both 25%) had the lowest recycling rates.

Across the EU, an average of 41% of plastic packaging waste was recycled last year. The bloc generates 36.1 kilograms of plastic packaging waste per person annually, of which 14.7 kilograms is recycled. 

The EU’s plastic recycling rate has seen little change over the past decade, rising only from 38% in 2012 to 41% in 2022. However, plastic is just one part of the larger packaging waste problem. It accounts for roughly a fifth of the total packaging waste in Europe, alongside glass. Paper and cardboard remain the largest share, representing 41%. 

The average EU citizen produces 186.5 kilograms of packaging waste each year, with Belgians slightly below the average at 167.1 kilograms per person.

^{Piles of plastic waste © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}