Plainclothes officers from the Manresa Urban Guard have stepped up surveillance to combat incivility in waste management. From the beginning of the year until April, 76 two-hour shifts have been carried out, aiming to catch individuals who deposit rubbish bags outside the designated containers. This control work is performed both on foot and with unmarked vehicles in areas where the problem is particularly acute.

During this period, 14 fines have been issued. Since the implementation of the closed container model last year, the total number of effective sanctions amounts to 39. Fines for these infractions can range from 75 to 300 euros, depending on whether the offense is considered minor or serious, and if the offender voluntarily admits the infraction, in which case a 50% reduction is applied.

The implementation of closed containers in the city was completed last summer. This new system has allowed the local administration to analyze data on the use of access cards. Thanks to this analysis, nearly 2,000 people have collected their cards since the last container was closed. Nevertheless, authorities have had to resort to fines, as information on the correct use of containers is now widely known.

In addition to sanctions, this year a fee of 88.22 euros will be introduced for homes and businesses that have not used any of the closed containers for an entire year. Currently, 89% of premises and homes in Manresa have an access card, and it is believed that the remaining 10% corresponds to empty flats or new residents who have recently arrived or left.

Authorities are aware that there is still work to be done and have announced more campaigns to promote selective waste collection. They warn that non-compliance with regulations will have consequences.