In Costa Ballena (Andalusia, Spain), waste management and recycling systems are designed to promote environmental sustainability and adhere to both national and European Union regulations. The system employs a colour-coded scheme to facilitate the segregation of different types of waste, ensuring efficient recycling processes. Refer to the explanation below to understand what type of waste should be disposed of in each of the blue, yellow, green, brown, and orange bins, which are strategically placed throughout the urbanisation:
Color-Coded Recycling Bins:
- Blue Bin: Designated for paper and cardboard materials, including newspapers, magazines, brochures, and packaging. It’s essential that these items are clean and dry to prevent contamination.
- Yellow Bin: Intended for plastic containers, metal packaging, and Tetra Pak cartons. This includes plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and milk or juice cartons. Residents are encouraged to rinse and crush these items before disposal to optimize space and maintain hygiene.
- Green Bin: Used exclusively for glass containers such as bottles and jars. It’s important to remove any lids or caps and ensure the glass is emptied before recycling. Items like mirrors, ceramics, or light bulbs should not be placed in this bin, as they require special handling.
- Brown Bin: Allocated for organic waste, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other biodegradable kitchen scraps. This bin is part of efforts to enhance composting and reduce landfill usage.
- Orange Bin: Specifically for used cooking oils. Residents should collect cooled cooking oil in a plastic bottle and deposit it into the orange bin to prevent environmental contamination and facilitate proper recycling.
Additional Waste Management Services:
For items that don’t fit into the standard recycling categories, such as electronic waste, batteries, or bulky household goods, Costa Ballena provides a specialized collection points known as “Punto Limpio“, and this facility accept a wide range of materials (brought by private individuals), ensuring they are processed appropriately to minimize environmental impact.