Waste management and street cleaning are not trivial matters, as evidenced by the recent awards ceremony organized by Ategrus. At this twentieth edition of the Broom Awards, held during the TECMA trade fair in Madrid, a number of Spanish towns and cities proudly showcased their sustainability policies. The event highlighted the importance of effective waste management and street cleaning. They're getting serious about the environmentThe results are obvious to all the neighbors.
It's not just about making the streets look sparkling clean, but about achieving that result efficiently and in an environmentally responsible way. The awards, ranging from Silver to Platinum, have recognized the efforts of city councils that have successfully adapted new technologies to traditional services such as garbage collection and street cleaning. In a European context where the circular economy is the goal, these municipalities demonstrate that Technological innovation is the best ally to achieve the most demanding environmental objectives.
Key destinations on the Costa del Sol: Mijas and Fuengirola
If there's one area that has emerged particularly strengthened from this competition, it's the province of Málaga. The Mijas Town Hall has once again taken home the Platinum Broom, an achievement that is no coincidence. The council has implemented a comprehensive management system that allows it to monitor every corner of the municipality, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and errors are corrected almost instantly. Eloy Belmonte, head of the department, accepted this award, which confirms that well-planned work always pays off.
For its part, Fuengirola has not been left behind and has earned its fifth platinum distinction, consolidating its position as a true national benchmark. The investment made there has been substantial, with some 8,5 million euros allocated to completely renewing the vehicle fleet. They now have state-of-the-art machinery and equipment with zero polluting emissionsThis is something that residents appreciate, not only for the cleanliness, but also for the significant reduction in noise during nighttime service hours.
Innovation in waste management and recycling centers
Expanding to other regions, Monforte de Lemos has demonstrated that integrating services is the key to success. Its model has united the recycling center and the green center under a single management, achieving a level of waste traceability that was previously unthinkable. Thanks to this approach, they have managed to eliminate hotspots of uncontrolled dumping and manage hundreds of tons of garbage flawlessly. This is the fourth time they've received the platinum award in the last six years, which makes it clear that their commitment to recycling is not just a passing fad.
In Guadalajara, the strategy has been to get down to the details, street by street and neighborhood by neighborhood. Mayor Ana Guarinos has highlighted the importance of the scheduled thorough cleanings, which allow for more in-depth work in areas that are sometimes overlooked. Furthermore, the city has taken a step forward in expand the collection of vegetable oils and textile waste, adapting to the most modern regulations and making it easier for citizens to correctly separate each type of waste in its corresponding container.
Solutions to urban challenges and civic responsibility
Vandalism and operational complexity have also played a significant role in these awards. Móstoles was specifically recognized for its decisive action against graffiti, managing to remove more than 53.000 graffiti tags in just a couple of years. Their commitment is astonishing: they erase any graffiti in less than 24 hours and, if it is offensive, They act in record time in just two hours. This system uses environmentally friendly products, demonstrating that effectiveness doesn't have to be at odds with ecology.
San Sebastián de los Reyes has also shone brightly, receiving its Platinum Broom award for managing cleaning services under extremely difficult circumstances. After facing previous surveys that didn't paint them in a very favorable light, the town council has made a complete turnaround with a multi-million euro contract that includes state-of-the-art machinery and very powerful awareness campaigns. From combating illegal dumping to controlling dog urination, the municipality has shown that with organization and a budget, it is possible to change the face of a city.
This year's Ategrus awards paint a very promising picture for sustainability in Spain, demonstrating that the path to climate neutrality lies in smart urban management. The winning municipalities have not only improved their recycling and street cleaning rates, but have also successfully engaged citizens through digital tools and more accessible services. Ultimately, these awards provide an incentive to continue investing in... effective circular economy models that ensure a cleaner future for all inhabitants of the territory.