This pilot experience originates from a study carried out last year. In 2018, the data of the glass bottles used and reused in the 40 sidrerías of Beterri-Buruntza were collected. “The analysis concluded the possibility of enhancing the reuse of cider bottles, activating the circular economy” in this region.

In total, of the 1,842,553 cider bottles produced in this region, 78% are reused, up to a total of 401,673 bottles. By encouraging the reuse of these bottles, “the aim is to extend the duration of each bottle, to make the product used again raw material”. And strengthen and value the strategic industry of the region, “to achieve a more sustainable system based on self-sufficiency, treat glass bottles in the nearest appropriate facilities, reduce the amount of waste and reduce the consumption of CO2 in transport”, according to the municipalities of Beterri-Buruntza. Therefore, they consider it essential that these municipalities and the project promoters have “shared strategies in the joint work of respect and care for the environment”. The project, financed by the Environmental Department of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, has the collaboration of the Association of Sidra de Gipuzkoa and the entities of Euskal Sagardoa, along with the Commonwealth of San Marcos.

Circular route

In the garbigunes of San Marcos, differentiated points have been installed to facilitate their collection. In addition to quarries, citizens have the possibility to bring cider bottles “to garbigunes and participate in this cycle of reuse”. Hence the name of the project; Sagarberritzen. Bring the boxes of used bottles to the Garbigune, from where they are cleaned to the company and then return them to the market, following the philosophy of the circular economy.

The social character of this project is highlighted by the municipalities of Andoain, Astigarraga, Hernani, Lasarte-Oria, Urnieta and Usurbil. Collection of cider bottles “has created new employment needs”. From Beterri-Errotuz, born from the convention of the municipalities of the region, a non-profit society is being managed, with the aim of “promoting the orientation, training and employment integration of people”.

This project will show the impact that the reuse of glass bottles will have on the market and the municipalities of Beterri-Buruntza state that they want to promote the experience “in other initiatives and geographical and economic contexts” to “acquire a greater dimension”.