While talking with friends the other day we discussed the process of garbage collection here in Alicante and how it differed from Canada. So I thought today I would share how the garbage and recycling process is done here.

Every business or apartment complex here requires the tenants to take their garbage and recycling directly to the street. There is no common area in the apartment building for garbage or recycling. The system here is quite simple and seems to work very well. On the street along with the parking spots there are garbage and recycling containers.  These garbage and recycling containers are located in groups along the street. There are groups of them in every block of the streets.

The containers are approximately 6 feet long and 4 or 5 feet wide and 5 feet high. Each container is designed and colour coded for a specific type of item. Garbage containers are grey  has a rubber sealed lid which is opened by using the stepping bar which opens the lid. When the lid is closed there is a tight seal, keeping the odor to a minimum.

The recycling containers are also unique and colour coded for the type of recycling product. Glass (vidre) recycling containers are  light blue colour and designed with two openings with a rubber around the openings. I found it interesting that most of the glass are wine bottles of all shapes and sizes.

The cardboard and plastic recycling bins are similar in design but are colour coded as well. Plastics are yellow and paper is blue both containers have openings at the top for people to put the items in.

We have been here for 11 days now and we have never seen the trucks empty them. I believe they work over night and empty them on a regular basis. Just one of the many difference in Alicante from what we are accustomed to.  I thought it was of interest and I hope you did too.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dias”