The regional information and awareness program on waste, "Small Gestures, Big Changes", promoted by the Consell Comarcal del Vallès Occidental and the Consorci per a la Gestió de Residus del Vallès Occidental, has begun a new phase. The main objective is to enhance citizen information on the correct separation of organic waste, its environmental and economic benefits, and the process of transforming it into new resources.
The campaign, launched in June 2026 and extending until 2027, aims to increase selective collection and reduce residual waste. Active presence in municipalities will continue with informational activities at public spaces, festivals, and fairs, complemented by digital channels and educational materials. The central slogan is: "Small Gestures, Big Changes. What you do counts."
In this new phase, the focus is on organic matter, which accounts for approximately 40% of household waste. It is reminded that food scraps, fruit, vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, and dirty kitchen paper are part of this fraction. Proper separation prevents these mixed waste items from affecting treatment and facilitates their valorization.
Correct organic waste management contributes to improving treatment system efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and advancing towards a circular economy. Data from the Waste and Resource Prevention Plan of Vallès Occidental 2025-2030 (PREVOC) indicates that selective collection in the region has increased from 35% in 2016 to 45% in 2024, but there is still room for improvement, especially in organic matter recovery.
A portion of the collected organic fraction is processed at the Can Barba Composting and Biometanization Plant. In 2024, this plant produced 2,162.56 tons of compost, used in local agriculture and distributed through local waste collection points. Furthermore, the anaerobic digestion process generates biogas, producing approximately 3,000 MWh annually of renewable electricity for self-consumption and the power grid.
The campaign is reinforced with the slogan "Separating organics counts. Make the gesture. Put it in the brown bin." The aim is for citizens to easily identify actions that improve selective collection results and understand the waste's journey after disposal.
The "Small Gestures, Big Changes" program targets municipalities with delegated waste management responsibilities to the Consell Comarcal, such as Sabadell, Terrassa, Rubí, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Sentmenat, Polinyà, Viladecavalls, Vacarisses, Ullastrell, and Rellinars. The materials are also available for all 23 municipalities in Vallès Occidental, with activities planned until the end of 2027.
