SRR 2026 consolidates its growth and reinforces the commitment of the recycling sector
The International Trade Fair for Recovery and Recycling is moving forward with increased participation and gives a key boost for SCRAPs in a national context that requires accelerated compliance with European targets.
IFEMA MADRID held the second meeting of the Organising Committee of the International Trade Fair for Recovery and Recycling (SRR), whose next edition will take place from 9 to 11 June 2026. The committee, formed by of Rafael Pardo (AEDRA), Javier Mejía and Mónica Melero (AENOR), Lucrecia Marín (ANAREVI), Alicia García‑Franco (FER), Esperanza Hidalgo (REPACAR), Manuel Kindelán (SIGRAUTO), Óscar Hernández (ANARPLA) and Ion Olaeta (GRUPO OTUA), analysed the most relevant issues and the main challenges currently faced by companies dedicated to waste recovery and recycling.
In this way, SRR 2026 is progressing with a solid commercial development, reflected in a high occupancy of the exhibition area, already occupying 16,000 m2. This represents a significant growth with respect to the 2024 edition. This boost is largely caused by the incorporation of new exhibitor companies, which represent 40% of the total and contribute 23% of the commercially available surface area, as well as to the increase in space requested by the companies who were present last year and are returning in this edition.
The fair currently has 100 confirmed exhibitors, an increase of 31.6% over the previous edition. Of the total, 60 come from previous editions and 40 are taking part for the first time, a fact that confirms that the sector is growing and highly dynamic. The 15 international exhibitors are also maintained, with a slight increase in line with the positive trend recorded in 2024.
Spain faces a key challenge in recycling: a snapshot of the industry
The context in which SRR 2026 takes place is marked by the consolidation of the Spanish recycling sector as a strategic cornerstone of circular economy. According to data from the Federation of Recovery and Recycling (FER), in 2025, the activity brought together more than 5,000 companies, generated more than 33,000 direct jobs and reached a turnover of more than 15 billion euros, equivalent to 1% of the national GDP. This is in addition to the efficient management of key flows which allowed more than 6 million tonnes of ferrous scrap, 1,183,000 tonnes of post-consumer plastic‑, 610,278 end-of-life vehicles and 416,162 tonnes of WEEE to be recovered. Also noteworthy are the 149,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres and more than 243,000 tonnes of metal packaging recycled. Overall, these figures reinforce the sector's role as an essential supplier of secondary raw materials and a driver of green jobs, competitiveness and industrial innovation in Spain.
SCRAPS take centre stage in the new edition of SRR
In order to enrich the exhibition, this year the fair highlights the participation of several SCRAPS whose work is fundamental for the proper functioning of the system. These Collective Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes are responsible for managing the collection and treatment of different types of waste, allowing producers to comply with current legislation without directly taking on the management of the waste.
The next edition of SRR 2026 will once again boost its growth by strengthening its ecosystem and creating synergies with the International Urban Planning and Environment Fair (TECMA), Global Mobility Call and SOCIOCARE, a new trade fair project focused on care and social welfare.