Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services and Housing

The door-to-door system is to be rolled out in the neighbourhoods of Sant Andreu, Horta and Sant Antoni, after its implementation in the old quarter of Sarrià pushed selective waste collection up from 37% to 60%. The system also helps towards quality of life in the neighbourhoods, helps tackle the climate emergency and drives the circular economy.

Selective waste collection is now used for 38% of all waste generated in the city, the goal being to reach 55% by 2025.

Various municipal measures have been implemented to achieve this: the new cleaning contract, the new waste tax and the expansion of the door-to-door system.

How does the door-to-door system work?

The system involves users separating waste and leaving it outside their front doors, with certain days for certain types of waste, and organic waste collected more often.

This method is particularly suitable for old urban quarters, low-density neighbourhoods, pedestrian areas and shopping hubs, where the use of public space needs to be optimised because it is limited or because of intense use by local people.

After being implemented in the old quarter of Sarrià for three years, the system will be extended to three more city neighbourhoods: Sant Andreu, Horta and Sant Antoni.

Sant Andreu: low buildings and traffic-calmed streets

The door-to-door system will benefit over 11,000 homes in two stages, the first from May 2021 and the second from October 2021.

How will the collection work?

• Rubbish, paper, cardboard, packaging and organic waste: at the door of buildings and establishments.
• Glass: in containers, except for commercial waste, which will be collected from establishments.

Horta: a neighbourhood with an old quarter and small commerce

Nearly 10,000 homes will use the door-to-door systems as from the autumn of 2021.

How will the collection work?

• Rubbish, paper, cardboard, packaging and organic waste: at the door of buildings and establishments.
• Glass: in mobile containers, except for commercial waste, which will be collected from establishments.

Sant Antoni: a neighbourhood with a superblock and lots of commerce

The system will be implemented in 2022 and provide service for over 14,000 homes.

How will the collection work?

• Rubbish, paper, cardboard and packaging: at the door of buildings and establishments.
• Glass: in containers, except for commercial waste, which will be collected from establishments.
• Organic: in smart containers.

What are the benefits of door-to-door waste collection?

• Selective waste collection doubled.
• Public space freed up, with fewer containers.
• Less noise in the street.
• Reuse of waste.

Increasing selective waste collection also brings down its management cost. The cost of this system per household per selective waste volume is 191 euros at 38%, 170 euros at 55% and 127 euros at 90%.