High volume of complaints reveals ongoing issues

Barcelona's Raval neighbourhood has seen 1,602 incidents of insufficient hygiene reported between 1 January and 12 July 2026, according to a recent resolution by the Sindicatura de Greuges de Barcelona. Of these, 1,363 were reported by citizens, while security forces and civic agents filed the remainder. This equates to an average of 8.3 daily complaints about dirtiness in the area.

City acknowledges structural challenges

The ombudsman, David Bondia, has warned that the volume of reports indicates a structural problem in waste management and street cleanliness in Raval. In its response, the Barcelona City Council acknowledged the 'reality of the neighbourhood' and the 'intensity of use of its streets'. Since the first quarter of 2026, the council has been implementing a plan comprising 130 specific actions and 42 projects aimed at improving cleanliness in Ciutat Vella, including Raval.

Measures taken and planned

The council claims that its measures have already reduced illegally discarded waste bags by between 30% and 42% in the historic centre, with particular impact in Raval. These actions include increased water use for street cleaning, combined mechanical sweeping and washing, more frequent container cleaning, expanded trash can capacity, and container relocations. A pilot civility plan with sanctions has been introduced, and Thursday has been designated as the only day for furniture collection in the neighbourhood. A brigade has been recruited to inspect areas around waste containers, and another to respond to urgent street dirt incidents.

The volume of communications processed by the council evidences the scope of the situation and allows us to affirm that, in this area, there is a structural problem of cleanliness and waste management.

, Sindicatura de Greuges de Barcelona

Future actions and public frustration

The city plans to launch a multilingual information campaign on waste disposal, already disseminating messages in Catalan, Spanish, Urdu, Bengali, Tagalog, and Arabic. From autumn 2026, a deodorising product will be added to all mechanical street washing routes. Between November and December, the council plans to label improperly discarded bags and furniture, and modify container signage. Despite these efforts, the Sindicatura notes recurring complaints about waste accumulation, bad odours, pests, and excrement in narrow streets and nightlife zones. Citizens continue to express frustration over the degradation of public space, demanding stronger enforcement and cleaning reinforcement.

Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona. Reported by elperiodico.com, El Periódico Barcelona.