A waste audit carried out by Rezero in the 22@ district’s bins reveals that 30% of the volume of waste from the bins is food and drink packaging for take away.
Particularly noteworthy is the presence of disposable cups made of cardboard and plastic, which are impossible to recycle.
Barcelona’s bins hide much more than it seems at first sight. A waste audit recently carried out by Rezero, in collaboration with Urbaser and the Barcelona City Council, has brought to light surprising data on the waste we generate, especially in relation to disposable containers associated with takeaway food and drinks.
The pace of waste collection in Barcelona is intense: they are emptied up to three times a day. The avalanche of waste generated continues unabated, especially in high-volume areas such as the coast, with a high tourist presence, and inland areas with many bars and restaurants.
Results of the analysis on the contents of the waste bins
To better understand this reality, Rezero analyzed the contents of 130 waste bins located in the 22@ area, in the Poblenou district. This area, predominantly comprised of offices and few residential units, revealed a high concentration of waste generated in a very short period of time.
The results are revealing:
• 6% of the weight of waste corresponds to disposable containers for takeaway food and drinks.
• 30% of the volume of waste from bins is attributable to these same containers.
Among the most common items are cans, plastic bottles, and especially takeaway cups. These so-called carboard cups, actually contain plastic, making them impossible to recycle. Throwing them in the paper bin only contributes to the contamination of the entire waste section.
Reuse as an alternative
Faced with this situation, Rezero proposes an innovative solution: Returnable Takeaway. This is a pilot project that is already being tested in six European cities, including Barcelona. The system offers establishments the option of providing reusable containers, which consumers can return after use to be washed and reused for a new service.
This initiative not only seeks to reduce waste, but also to transform consumption patterns and end the single-use culture. A firm step toward a zero-waste society.
April 2025