Details to Be Announced Monday

On Monday 2nd November at 13:00, Albert Batlle, deputy mayor and district councillor for Ciutat Vella, will present the second phase of the district’s cleaning improvement plan alongside Carlos Vázquez, Director of Cleaning Services at Barcelona City Council. The press event will take place in the Lluis Companys Hall at Barcelona City Hall and will include a visual display of one of the new cleaning vehicles deployed under the initiative.

Over 150 Measures Rolled Out

This phase follows a comprehensive plan of more than 150 actions launched across Ciutat Vella, comprising 130 one-off interventions and 42 ongoing projects aimed at improving public spaces, reducing anti-social behaviour, and optimising cleaning services. The measures build on a pilot project that began in February 2025 under the Pla Endreça and the Ciutat Vella Agreement, which identified key problem areas related to illegal dumping and public space degradation.

  • Increased mechanical cleaning with consecutive watering, sweeping, and treatment
  • Doubled or quadrupled cleaning frequency for waste container exteriors
  • New anti-seagull litter bins and 36 additional bins installed
  • Daily cleaning of urine with disinfectants and deodorants
  • Adjusted cleaning schedules around schools
  • Enhanced waste collection in areas where people sleep overnight
  • New mobile recycling points to launch in autumn 2026

These actions follow over ten consultation meetings with residents and businesses and multiple technical walkthroughs to assess needs and monitor progress.

Infrastructure and Maintenance Upgrades

Repairs have been carried out on damaged paving where structural issues interfered with cleaning operations. Green points and waste container zones have been reorganised to improve accessibility and efficiency. Cleaning schedules for pneumatic waste container systems have been intensified, with frequency adjusted seasonally to meet demand.

The plan focuses on making public spaces cleaner, safer and more respectful for residents and visitors alike.

Waste collection improvements are being coordinated with the City Police to target areas most affected by overnight occupancy and illegal dumping. The second phase will expand on these efforts, with further details to be disclosed at Monday’s briefing.

Sources: Ajuntament de Barcelona.