Valencia

♻️

Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Valencia

Valencia uses a color-coded system for waste separation, which is common across Spain. Residents and visitors are expected to sort their waste into the following categories:

a. Organic Waste (Brown Bin - "Orgánica")

  • What to dispose of: Food scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, and other biodegradable waste.
  • What NOT to dispose of: Plastic, glass, metal, or non-biodegradable materials.

b. General Waste (Gray Bin - "Resto")

  • What to dispose of: Non-recyclable waste such as hygiene products (e.g., diapers, sanitary pads), cigarette butts, and other mixed waste that cannot be recycled.
  • What NOT to dispose of: Recyclable materials, organic waste, or hazardous waste.

c. Paper and Cardboard (Blue Bin - "Papel y Cartón")

  • What to dispose of: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, paper packaging, and office paper.
  • What NOT to dispose of: Dirty or greasy paper (e.g., pizza boxes with food residue).

d. Plastic, Metal, and Tetra Pak (Yellow Bin - "Envases")

  • What to dispose of: Plastic bottles, cans, metal packaging, and Tetra Pak containers (e.g., milk or juice cartons).
  • What NOT to dispose of: Glass, organic waste, or general waste.

e. Glass (Green Bin - "Vidrio")

  • What to dispose of: Glass bottles, jars, and containers.
  • What NOT to dispose of: Ceramics, mirrors, or light bulbs.

f. Hazardous and Special Waste

  • What to dispose of: Batteries, electronics, light bulbs, paint, and other hazardous materials.
  • Where to dispose of: These items must be taken to designated recycling points or "Ecoparques" (see below for details).

2. Collection Schedules

  • Residential Waste Collection: Waste is collected daily or several times a week, depending on the neighborhood and waste type. Organic waste and general waste are typically collected more frequently, while recyclables (paper, plastic, and glass) may have specific collection days.
  • Time Restrictions: Residents are required to deposit their waste in the bins between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM to avoid odors and maintain cleanliness during the day.
  • Holiday Adjustments: Collection schedules may vary on public holidays, so it’s advisable to check with your local municipality or building management.

3. Costs and Fees

  • Waste management in Valencia is funded through municipal taxes, which are included in the annual property tax ("Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles" or IBI). Residents do not pay additional fees for regular waste disposal.
  • Special Waste Disposal Fees: For large items (e.g., furniture, appliances) or hazardous waste, there may be additional costs if you request a special collection service.

4. Procedures for Proper Waste Separation

To ensure compliance with Valencia’s waste management system, follow these steps:

  1. Sort Your Waste: Separate your waste into the appropriate categories (organic, general, paper, plastic, glass, etc.).
  2. Use the Correct Bin: Deposit your waste in the corresponding color-coded bin located on the street or in your building.
  3. Flatten and Compress: Flatten cardboard boxes and compress plastic bottles to save space in the bins.
  4. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly: Take batteries, electronics, and other hazardous items to designated collection points or Ecoparques.

5. Local Considerations and Regulations

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Improper waste disposal (e.g., leaving waste outside bins or mixing waste categories) can result in fines ranging from €60 to €1,500, depending on the severity of the violation.
  • Large Item Disposal: For bulky items like furniture or appliances, you can request a free collection service from the city by calling 010 (local municipal helpline) or using the Valencia City Council’s app.
  • Recycling Awareness: Valencia actively promotes recycling through public campaigns and educational programs. Look out for posters and signs in your neighborhood for guidance.

6. Waste Disposal and Recycling Facilities

Valencia has several facilities and services to handle special waste and recycling needs:

a. Ecoparques (Recycling Centers)

  • What they accept: Hazardous waste, electronics, furniture, appliances, construction debris, and other special waste.
  • Locations: There are both fixed and mobile Ecoparques throughout the city. Examples of fixed locations include:
    • Ecoparque Benimaclet: Carrer de l'Arquitecte Arnau, 46020 Valencia.
    • Ecoparque Vara de Quart: Carrer del Pare Tomàs de Montañana, 46014 Valencia.
  • Mobile Ecoparques: These are trucks that visit different neighborhoods on a rotating schedule. Check the Valencia City Council website or app for the schedule.

b. Glass Recycling Points

  • Valencia has an extensive network of green bins specifically for glass recycling. These are often located near supermarkets or busy streets.

c. Battery and Electronics Drop-Off Points

  • Many supermarkets, electronics stores, and public buildings have small collection points for batteries and small electronics.

7. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Learn the System Quickly: If you’re staying in Valencia for an extended period, familiarize yourself with the waste separation rules and bin locations in your neighborhood.
  • Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about waste disposal, ask your landlord, building manager, or neighbors for guidance.
  • Use the Valencia City Council App: The app provides information on waste collection schedules, Ecoparque locations, and other municipal services.
  • Be Mindful of Time: Always dispose of your waste during the designated hours (8:00 PM to 11:00 PM) to avoid fines.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Valencia’s efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable city. Proper waste management is not only a legal obligation but also a way to support the city’s environmental goals. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!