60s Concern for the environment begins in large companies in developed countries
Increasing generation of toxic and hazardous waste

70s Governments are concerned by public health problems caused by the lack of industrial waste management
1973; Meadows report warns of the ''limits to growth'' and the limitation of natural resources
The first environmental regulation appears, based on contamination control at the end of the process
Spain urban waste law, municipalities are in charge of managing industrial waste (1975)

80s Spain approves basic law, montreal ozone protocol, bruntland report
etc.
etc.

1996; publication of ISO 14001; 1996 for EMSs

2004: ISO 14001: 2004