Orihuela Council has announced a major €6 million investment to modernise its street cleaning and urban waste collection service, one of the public services with the greatest impact on daily life. The overhaul aims to improve the city’s appearance, strengthen provision in outlying districts and coastal areas, and make it easier for residents to support a cleaner Orihuela.

The municipality includes 23 outlying districts spread across more than 40 kilometres, as well as over 50 coastal developments. Councillor for Street Cleaning and Waste, Rocío Ortuño, said the service, brought under direct council management in 2012, required significant investment. She said the improvements respond to long-standing demands from residents.

Six new lorries and five support vehicles have been added, alongside new containers and a detailed container placement study. Additional equipment includes sweepers, open-bed lorries for bulky waste, a crane vehicle for garden waste, a road washer and inspection vehicles. The council also plans to introduce a fifth recycling container and launch a door-to-door cardboard collection service for businesses.

A new local waste plan and the creation of the municipal company Ecoplan are intended to guide the next phase. The council says the investment will reduce waiting times, improve selective collection and deliver a more efficient, reliable service across the city, its districts and the coast.