On Wednesday, January 22, the Official State Gazette published the Resolution of January 14, 2025, issued by the Directorate General for Environmental Quality and Assessment of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), approving the strategic environmental declaration of the State Framework Plan for Waste Management (PEMAR) 2024-2035.
This plan, designed in accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC, aims to establish a national integrated waste management strategy and promote the circular economy in Spain.
Law 7/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy (hereinafter referred to as the Waste Law) transposes the updated version of the Directive and requires the State, the Autonomous Communities, and Local Entities with a population of more than 5,000 inhabitants to develop waste management programs within their respective competences.
Objectives of PEMAR 2024-2035
PEMAR, covering the period 2024-2035, aims to improve environmental outcomes in waste management by providing strategies, guidelines, and management objectives for REUSE, RECYCLING, AND REDUCTION of landfill disposal. Aligned with the commitments set by the European Union, the following objectives stand out:
- Implementation of separate waste collection.
- Preparation for reuse and recycling and improvement of treatment methods, developing the Spanish strategy for reducing the landfilling of biodegradable waste with new treatment facilities, especially for biological treatment of bio-waste, treatment improvements, high-quality recycling, and the development of R&D&I techniques.
- Regulation of extended producer responsibility.
- Improvements in waste flow data available to the Administration.
- Adoption of awareness strategies to promote the transition to a circular economy. Training and awareness programs for consumers, producers, and managers to raise awareness on various topics.
- Consolidation of markets for products derived from waste management. Promoting their consumption and integration into production processes with high-quality materials obtained from waste.
- Strengthening control, inspection, and monitoring systems. Ensuring compliance with requirements associated with granted authorizations.
- Coordination and collaboration between administrations.
- Economic instruments. Incentives according to the waste hierarchy.
Guidelines for Compliance with PEMAR
The State Framework Plan for Waste Management outlines guidelines for compliance, including:
- Measures to promote separate waste collection.
- Measures to encourage preparation for reuse and recycling.
- Measures to implement, improve, or reinforce collection systems.
- Measures to enhance knowledge of waste flows.
- Measures to support training and awareness among various stakeholders.
- Market consolidation for recycled products, promoting the use of recycled materials in public and private projects.
Construction and Demolition Waste: A Specific Study within PEMAR
The State Framework Plan (PEMAR), under section C.3.2. “Specific Impacts of the Management of Certain Types of Waste,” defines Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW).
The management of this type of waste is particularly critical due to its potential hazardous content, such as asbestos fibers from certain components. Reuse or disposal of these wastes, when containing contaminants, may lead to soil or water pollution.
To mitigate these impacts, the study proposes strict compliance with asbestos removal regulations, defining the characteristics required for these wastes to be used for regeneration purposes, and promoting controlled use.
For this type of waste, the Ministry reports having accepted 13% of the suggestions regarding the specific goal for waste flows designated for reuse, recycling, and other recovery operations.
A target of 75% (by weight) of these wastes for reuse or recycling has been set, alongside advancing conditions for non-hazardous waste for regeneration purposes and promoting their use in construction projects (road sub-bases, railway ballast), including these materials in tender specifications and bid evaluation criteria instead of natural materials.
Extractive Industry Waste
Regarding mining waste, PEMAR addresses pollution risks and its impact on water and soil.
A proposed solution for these wastes includes integrating technical criteria for their commercial use as fill material.
JLM Ingeniería Solutions for Achieving PEMAR 2024-2035 Objectives
At JLM Ingeniería, we specialize in waste solutions, and our track record supports this expertise. Our portfolio includes numerous equipment options to meet the objectives established by the State Framework Plan for Waste Management.
Among them:
REC100 Treatment Plant
Designed as a complete solution for CDW recovery and classification, the Rec100 plant is a fully modular installation, easily transportable and installable.
TR100 and TR200 Units
Mobile equipment used for waste classification. They are autonomous, easy to transport and operate, combining magnetic separation, density separation, and manual selection.
Conveyor belts
Essential components of any industrial process. They facilitate the movement of waste within the plant. At JLM Ingeniería, we design, manufacture, and install these systems tailored to client needs.
Overband separators
Essential for removing ferrous waste. Manufactured under high-quality standards, we install them in recycling, mining, and construction facilities.
TRC Sorting Cabin
Sorting cabins are necessary at the final stage of any waste separation and recovery process. Equipped with all necessary elements to ensure ergonomic comfort for operators and safety, our sorting cabins are the best option to guarantee proper separation.
Towards a Sustainable Economy
With the implementation of PEMAR, progress is expected towards a more sustainable economy and compliance with environmental and sustainable development goals, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to ecological transition and the circular economy.
Although PEMAR does not approve specific projects, it establishes the guidelines and strategies that should guide regional and municipal plans, ensuring consistency among different administrative levels.
At JLM Ingeniería, we are committed to the environment. We believe a circular economy is possible and work towards it every day.
