San Javier has become the first of the 45 municipalities in the Region of Murcia to fully implement new brown bins for organic waste, adding a fifth container to its household recycling system.

A total of 400 brown bins have been distributed across the municipality. During March alone, more than 200 tonnes of organic waste were collected. The bins are intended for food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, paper napkins, kitchen paper and small amounts of garden waste.

Mayor José Miguel Luengo has said that separating household waste is no longer optional but an obligation, as Spain works towards establishing a circular economy. The roll-out has been supported by a public awareness campaign under the slogan “Brown is the new fashion”, reminding residents that only organic waste should be placed in the new containers and that compostable bags must be used.

A dedicated telephone line has also been set up to answer residents’ questions about the scheme.