Cleaning
The cleaning services and urban facilities of Madrid City Council are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, healthiness, good appearance and quality of the public spaces in the city, by carrying out numerous regular and urgent cleaning activities, as well as the conservation and maintenance of street furniture and children's areas, areas for the elderly and elementary sports circuits under its jurisdiction.
But the cleanliness of the city and the maintenance of public space is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to obtain maximum efficiency of these services and be able to enjoy our city.
I AM A CITIZEN
When you go for a walk with your pet, always pick up its droppings.
It is also important to dilute their urine with a little water with a few drops of vinegar. This will help to avoid cleaning problems, smells and other public health issues. Remember that across the city you will find numerous bins with bags, in case you don’t have one. Check their location.
We all like to take a walk along streets that are clean: so avoid throwing litter on the ground, whether it is nut shells, tissues or chewing gum… There’s always a litter bin nearby!
If you are a smoker, do not throw cigarette ends on the ground. They not only litter the streets, but are highly contaminating too! Did you know that a single cigarette end can pollute between 8 and 10 litres of water? Remember that all the litter bins have an ashtray. See where they’re located.
Always dispose of waste inside the bins and try to keep the lids closed to prevent odours and waste falling outside the bins. Organic waste, non-recyclable waste, packaging and clothes should be placed in closed bags, and boxes and cartons folded up for placing in the bin.
Respect the street furniture, waste bins and litter bins, fountains, children’s and senior citizen’s areas, sports areas and canine areas. Also respect the green and wooded areas of the city. This is to ensure that we can enjoy them!
If you notice any damage or deficiency you can report it online, through the Madrid Mobile App, the 010 phone number or the City Council’s social networks — Twitter and Facebook @LineaMadrid.
Do not paint or damage street furniture and façades, as it spoils the image of the city and the cost of cleaning them is very high. The City Council is responsible for cleaning up graffiti, provided they are on the façade of buildings.
Do not feed or leave pet food on the street as it can lead to unwanted pests and even spread diseases to our pets, plants or people.
Do not spit or satisfy your physiological needs in public spaces. This will ensure health standards are met. Remember that the local ordinance regulates and penalises antisocial behaviour.
Do not leave waste bags or bulky waste outside the bins as this can lead to contamination problems, hinder the collection services and even cause public service workers or pedestrians to have accidents. Remember that furniture and household goods must be taken to the fixed clean points. You can also use the services that the City Council makes available for this type of waste: the scheduled collection service by district or the collection of furniture, household goods and large appliances.
I AM A BUSINESS
Establishments must keep the area they occupy clean and provide the necessary resources (litter bins, ashtrays, etc.) for any waste they produce during the course of their business.
Businesses must keep façades clean as well as all the parts of the building that are visible to the public.
When cleaning the outside (shop windows, doors, canopies, awnings, curtains, etc.), due precaution must be taken to avoid making public spaces dirty. Otherwise, the owners of the establishment must clean it and remove any waste produced.
