Waste Crisis on Joaquim Costa
Contaminated streets and overflowing bins have become routine on Joaquim Costa, a central thoroughfare in Barcelona's Raval district. Locals and shop owners say the situation has worsened since the city installed 27 pneumatic waste collection chutes, which they claim are no longer sufficient for the volume of rubbish generated. The mechanical flaps on the bins, operated by a lever or foot pedal, frequently jam due to overfilling, leaving waste exposed on the pavement.
Impact on Businesses and Health
Lídia Matos, who has run the vintage shop Fusta'm at number 62 for 16 years, said the problem is escalating: "Everyone is fed up." She previously lived on the street but moved away due to dirt and construction noise. Vicenç Morató, owner of the hair salon bearing his name opposite three full bins, warned of growing health hazards, including pests ranging from cockroaches to rats. He believes customer numbers have dropped as a result. Ziaul, staff member at Nou Basar shop, described having to clear waist-high piles of waste blocking access to the store. Shopkeepers agree the conditions are undermining small businesses’ viability.
Construction Adds to the Strain
Work to renew the sewer network and build a new drainage system on Joaquim Costa and Torres i Amat streets began on 14 September and is scheduled to last until 18 December, according to a city notice published on 1 October 2026. The project is being carried out in three phases, with traffic closures and restricted access affecting multiple side streets. Barriers and scaffolding further obstruct pedestrian movement and access to shops.
City Plans and Criticism
In March 2026, Barcelona City Council announced a comprehensive cleaning plan for Ciutat Vella with over 150 measures, including increased street cleaning, more litter bins, and new mobile recycling points to be added in autumn 2026. Cleaning of pneumatic waste systems will be doubled or quadrupled depending on the season. However, business owners remain unconvinced. Matos dismissed the city’s Pla Endreça as "a sticking plaster," arguing it has not resolved the crisis. Morató is calling for more frequent waste collection truck visits. As of 6 October 2026, the municipal government has not issued an official statement on the current situation on Joaquim Costa.
Pedestrianisation Plans
Despite the current disruption, the city plans to fully pedestrianise Joaquim Costa as part of a 3.5 million euro renovation project, a long-standing community demand included in the municipal action plan.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by ara.cat, beteve.cat.
