European waste management regulations in Spanish local administrations: Compliance assessment and integration Frontiers

This research analyzes the impact of European directives, particularly the Waste Framework Directive, on municipal waste management in Spain, with a focus on Law 7/2022 promoting circular economy principles. Through an assessment of waste management ordinances in 980 municipalities, the study found that over 60% of local ordinances have not yet fully incorporated the latest regulatory requirements, indicating significant delays in adapting to European regulations. The findings reveal notable disparities in compliance, with larger municipalities showing higher adaptation rates compared to smaller ones. Additionally, regions like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands have adopted innovative approaches, including ‘pay‐as‐you‐throw’ schemes and community composting. The study underscores the critical need for better integration of circular economy principles, enhanced monitoring, and increased public awareness to promote sustainable waste management practices. By identifying regulatory gaps, this research aims to provide practical insights for improving local waste management policies and fostering greater compliance with EU mandates.