During 2025, a total of 465 waste containers were vandalized in Lleida, according to data provided by Ilnet. Of these, 205 were burned, 229 were rendered irreparable, and 31 disappeared, mostly from the organic fraction. This figure for incinerated containers doubles that recorded a decade earlier, as 101 were burned in 2016.
In addition to container replacement, Ilnet technicians repaired 482 units, mainly from the residual waste fraction. The new urban cleaning and waste collection service contract, which begins this month, plans for the incorporation of 124 new containers in the city. The concessionaire also cleaned 342 graffiti and posters with pressurized water and carried out 1,404 cleaning services for containers and urban furniture, often at night or in areas considered "problematic."
Regarding waste management, selective waste collection in Lleida continued its downward trend in 2025, with a decrease of 1.6%. The recycling rate was only 35.5% of the total waste collected by Ilnet, a figure lower than 37.2% in 2024 and the worst data since 2018. This drop coincides with the withdrawal of the door-to-door system in the neighborhoods of Balàfia and Pardinyes in November 2024, although this system, which is only maintained in Ciutat Jardí and Vila Montcada, represents 8.4% of the total waste recycled in the city.
The city generated 68,849,003 kilograms of waste in 2025, 3.2% more than in 2024 and the highest figure in at least the last eight years. Despite this increase, the amount of recycled waste decreased by 1.4%. The organic fraction saw the largest drop, while paper and packaging collection increased. Recycling levels in Lleida are more than ten points below the Catalan average (47.1% in 2024) and far from the objectives of the 2022 Waste Law, which required 55% selective waste collection by 2025.
“"We are regressing, we are going in the opposite direction of what we should be doing to achieve a sustainable city and more efficient waste management."
Ilnet, the temporary joint venture between Romero Polo and Valoriza, has been awarded the street cleaning and waste collection contract in Lleida since 2006. Its contract has been extended five times, and a new ten-year contract, also awarded to Ilnet, will come into effect on April 23. This new contract will include an increase in staff, vehicle renewal, and improvements in cleaning and collection frequencies. The door-to-door service will also be expanded to Llívia, Sucs, and Raimat.
