Trash Collection and Recycling

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is renowned for its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes. To maintain this natural beauty, the island enforces a comprehensive waste management system that both residents and visitors are encouraged to follow. This guide will help you navigate Mallorca’s color-coded recycling system, ensuring you can contribute to keeping the island clean and sustainable.

It's customary to leave used clothes and household goods on the ground outside the bins for people in need.

[[image:432:Mallorca mobile recycling bins: Delivered late afternoon. Removed late night.]]

Mallorca Street Trash Bins – What Goes Where

Mallorca uses a color-coded waste separation system with Catalan labels. Here's a handy guide:

🟩 Verd (Green) — Vidre (Glass)

• What to put:
• Glass bottles (wine, beer)
• Glass jars (jam, sauces)
• Do not put:
• Ceramics
• Mirrors
• Window glass
• Light bulbs

🟡 Groc (Yellow) — Envasos lleugers (Light Packaging)

• What to put:
• Plastic bottles and containers
• Aluminum cans
• Tetra Paks (milk/juice cartons)
• Plastic bags and wraps
• Do not put:
• Toys
• Kitchenware
• Dirty containers

🟫 Marró (Brown) — Matèria orgànica (Organic Waste)

• What to put:
• Food scraps
• Coffee grounds, tea bags
• Used paper napkins
• Small garden waste
• Do not put:
• Plastics
• Diapers
• Animal waste

🟦 Blau (Blue) — Paper i cartró (Paper and Cardboard)

• What to put:
• Newspapers, magazines
• Office paper
• Cardboard boxes (flattened)
• Do not put:
• Greasy/dirty paper (e.g. pizza boxes)
• Laminated paper

⚫ Gris/Negre (Grey or Black) — Rebuig (General Waste)

• What to put:
• Non-recyclable items
• Diapers, sanitary products
• Cigarette butts
• Broken ceramics
• Do not put:
• Recyclables
• Hazardous waste

🟪 Other Special Containers (colors may vary)

• Oli usat (Used Cooking Oil) – Orange container
• Roba (Clothing/Textiles)
• Piles (Batteries) – Found in supermarkets or town halls
• RAEE (Electronics) – At civic points

🏛️ Deixalleria / Punt Verd

Mallorca also provides designated collection points known as Deixalleria or Punt Verd for items that require special disposal:

• For:
• Furniture, appliances
• Hazardous materials
• Large electronics
• Paint, solvents

Tip: Always rinse containers and follow local collection schedules. Some areas limit general waste pickups to encourage recycling!

By understanding and participating in Mallorca's recycling system, you not only help preserve the island’s beauty but also contribute to a more sustainable environment. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, every bit of effort counts in maintaining this Mediterranean paradise. Happy recycling!