Granted, Spain might not be the golden child of recycling like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t responsibly dispose of your waste pretty easily. In fact, there’s a variety of recycling bins scattered around every city, town, and even small village. So why not take advantage of them? 

Sorted waste includes paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, wood, scrap metal, compost, hazardous waste, residual waste, and more. Let’s learn a little more about recycling in Spain, shall we?

Recycling In Spain: A Guide To Sorting Trash 

Here are some tips on how to sort trash and recycle in Spain:

1. Separate your waste into different categories: The most common categories for waste separation in Spain are paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, and organic waste.
   
   
2. Use the right recycling bins: Most public areas and residential buildings have recycling bins for each type of waste. The bins are usually color-coded to make it easy to identify which type of waste should go in each bin.
   
   
3. Rinse your recyclables: Before disposing of your recyclable waste, make sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any leftover food or liquid. This will help ensure that the recyclable materials are clean and can be properly disposed of.
   
   
4. Dispose of hazardous waste properly: Hazardous waste such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronic devices should not be thrown into regular recycling bins. Many municipalities have special disposal points or recycling programs for hazardous waste.
   
   
5. Compost your organic waste: Instead of throwing away your organic waste, consider composting it. Composting is an easy way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or landscaping.

What Types Of Recycling Bins Are In Spain?

In Spain, there are several types of recycling bins used to separate waste. Here are some of the common types of recycling bins in Spain:

Blue bin: This bin is used for paper and cardboard waste. It is usually blue in color and can be found in many public areas such as streets and parks.

Yellow bin: This bin is used for packaging waste such as plastic bottles, cans, and cartons. It is usually yellow in color and can also be found in public areas.

Green bin: This bin is used for organic waste such as food scraps and garden waste. It is usually green in color and can be found in many residential areas.

Gray bin: This bin is used for non-recyclable waste such as diapers, hygiene products, and other household waste that cannot be recycled. It is usually gray in color and can be found in both public and residential areas.

Glass bin: This bin is used for glass waste such as bottles and jars. It is usually green or white in color and can be found in public areas and residential buildings.

It is important to note that the rules for recycling and waste disposal may vary from region to region in Spain, so it is recommended to check with local authorities for specific guidelines. 

How To Dispose Of E-Waste In Spain

Recycling Centers: Many municipalities have recycling centers where you can drop off your e-waste. These centers usually accept a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, phones, and televisions.

Retailers: Some electronic retailers offer e-waste recycling programs where you can bring in your old devices for proper disposal. Check with your local electronics retailer to see if they offer this service.

E-waste pickup services: Some municipalities offer e-waste pickup services for residents. Check with your local authorities to see if this service is available in your area.

Manufacturer take-back programs: Some electronics manufacturers have take-back programs where they will dispose of your old devices for you. Check with the manufacturer of your device to see if they offer this service.

How To Recycle Batteries In Spain

Battery bins in supermarkets: You can throw away used batteries in special bins in most supermarkets or markets. Most of the time, these small bins are situated at the main entrance.

Collection points: Many municipalities have battery collection points where you can drop off your old batteries. 

Postal service: In some regions, you can recycle your old batteries by sending them through the postal service.