Smart waste containers have propelled Mollet del Vallès to exceed European recycling targets.
The town’s new selective waste collection system has achieved a 58% recycling rate in its initial weeks, surpassing the 55% minimum set by the European Council for 2025.
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This represents a dramatic leap from a baseline of just 34% recorded in August.
Smart Waste Containers Drive Major Behavioural Shift
The implementation of so-called ‘intelligent containers’ has been central to this transformation. Consequently, grey (residual), brown (organic), and yellow (packaging) containers remain locked, requiring identification via a card or mobile app to open. Meanwhile, paper and glass receptacles remain freely accessible. Furthermore, the residual waste container has its ordinary use limited to three specific days per week.
First Deputy Mayor, Raül Broto Cervera, views the data positively, albeit with caution. He acknowledges that the model change has been accompanied by isolated incidents of uncivil behaviour. Accordingly, the council has reinforced cleaning services and inspections to address improper waste disposal. The deployment was phased by neighbourhood to ease adaptation, starting in late October and distributing 25,000 access cards.
Significant Reduction In Residual Waste Achieved
The improvement is also evident in the reduction of residual waste. Under the old system, 65% of waste ended up in the grey container. By mid-December, this figure had dropped to 42%, a decrease of over 20 percentage points. This means significantly less waste is destined for landfill or incineration.
Another positive effect is the increase in both volume and quality of organic waste collection. Additionally, ‘improper’ waste—materials placed in the wrong container—has decreased by 10%, facilitating treatment and improving overall system efficiency. For the Christmas holidays, the council announced specific measures, including exceptional opening days for residual containers and enhanced cleaning in problem areas.
Monitoring has been activated in zones with more incidents to correct uncivil conduct and reinforce information about proper container use. As a result, around twenty sanctions have been processed, and over thirty informative letters sent to individuals who left bags outside containers. The council reminds residents that abandoning waste in public streets is a minor offence under relevant legislation, carrying fines from €400 to €4,000.
From January, access to the city’s ‘green point’ recycling centre will require the new waste card, not the old specific service card. The council states this will allow greater control over the facility’s use and management more aligned with the new model. This local success in waste management comes as other regions grapple with environmental policy costs, as highlighted by a recent study revealing significant regional disparities in waste taxes. Mollet’s achievement demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment and resident engagement can yield substantial environmental dividends.
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