Spain introduces new bio‑waste bins and smart recycling containers

The municipality of Almodóvar del Campo in Ciudad Real province has started a selective bio‑waste collection service using new brown containers. The initiative, coordinated by the regional Solid Urban Waste Consortium, follows EU regulations and aims to separate organic household waste for high‑quality compost, reducing the organic share of mixed waste (about 41%). Residents are instructed to place fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, coffee grounds, and similar items in the bins while avoiding non‑organic materials such as diapers, cigarettes or pet waste.

In Cáceres, the city council has begun deploying 570 smart bilateral containers equipped with sensors that monitor fill level, weight and humidity. Data are transmitted in real time to a central platform, allowing optimized collection routes, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and rapid detection of faults. The rollout also includes a fully electric collection truck and collaboration with concessionaire Valoriza, aiming to modernise waste management and promote recycling at the source.