Sant Adrià de Besòs has started replacing all 500 plastic waste containers with new metal, fire-resistant models across the city. This significant move aims to combat persistent arson attacks and reduce associated costs and damage.
The measure forms part of a new €31.4 million waste collection and street cleaning contract. The contract with Urbaser will run until 2029. The Ajuntament of Sant Adrià de Besòs expects to install the new containers gradually between May and June, with all units in place by summer.
New Fire-Resistant Bins for Sant Adrià
Container fires have become a recurring issue in several towns across the Barcelona metropolitan area. These incidents fuel a sense of insecurity among residents. They also threaten to spread damage to parked vehicles and nearby building facades. Sant Adrià, a town of 39,000 residents bordering Barcelona, has experienced these problems firsthand.
Mayor Filo Cañete presented the new fleet of vehicles and containers on Wednesday. She stated, "Society is changing, certain uncivil attitudes are being adopted, and the city has no choice but to adapt and be resilient." The mayor explained that metal models will "reduce collateral damage." They also intend to make committing damage against urban furniture "not attractive." She attributed these acts to "pyromaniacs" affected by "mental illnesses."
"We adapt to a reality we cannot hide," Mayor Cañete added. "These solutions exist, and we adapt to prevent all these uncivil acts that distort the community effort." The previous contract required a reserve of containers to replace those damaged by fire or vandalism. "We have been using that 'stock' to replace them, we have had complicated situations, and now we activate creativity," she noted.
Broader Urban Cleaning Investment
The new containers will first appear in the La Mina district. They will then gradually roll out to other neighbourhoods. Councillor for Public Works, José Luis Martínez, confirmed this phased implementation. The new containers also feature sensors. These sensors will alert authorities when they are full, improving collection efficiency.
Sant Adrià has chosen not to adopt smart containers for selective waste collection at this time. These systems require residents to identify themselves with cards or devices to open the compartment. However, the chosen models can adapt if the personalised collection system becomes mandatory in the Barcelona metropolitan area. This system aims to increase recycling rates and potentially offer discounts on waste fees.
Tougher Fines and CCTV Surveillance
Beyond the container replacement, the Sant Adrià de Besòs Ajuntament is also reviewing its civic ordinance. They plan to increase fines, particularly for uncontrolled dumping of rubble and bulky waste. These illegal deposits often proliferate near the town's industrial estates, close to the borders with Barcelona and Badalona.
Mayor Cañete observed, "It is very annoying and requires extra effort when neighbours or non-neighbours abandon these bulky items." She highlighted that fines have been issued thanks to citizen collaboration. However, she stressed the importance of tougher sanctions. This aims to make it "not so attractive to come to Sant Adrià to leave that rubbish."
In parallel, the municipality plans to launch a pilot phase for installing video surveillance cameras. These cameras aim to deter criminal and uncivil acts. They will also provide evidence for investigations. The council will start with a limited deployment across all neighbourhoods. Cameras will focus on specific points identified for past criminal or vandalistic incidents. The system will undergo a one-year study before officials decide on expanding its coverage. Traffic cameras will also be placed in the central commercial area of Sant Adrià.
Future-Proofing Waste Management
The new municipal contract also includes a full renewal of the cleaning fleet. This new fleet features electric and hybrid vehicles, including models designed for quieter operation. Additionally, the town will establish six mini-green points. These points will allow residents to recycle special waste such as batteries, oil, and clothing. The contract also reinforces waste collection services on Sundays, public holidays, and near beaches during the summer months.
These combined efforts represent a significant investment in urban resilience and public safety for Sant Adrià de Besòs. The town aims to create a cleaner, safer environment for its residents and deter future acts of vandalism through these comprehensive measures.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
