THE HISTORY OF A “SECRET” SERVICE
In Madrid, around 1.2 million tons of waste are generated every year. The City Council allocates some 500 million euros every year for waste collection, transport and subsequent treatment at specialized plants, and for the cleaning of public spaces.
Over the centuries, collection and cleaning services have evolved from donkey carts to today’s fleets of electric or natural gas-powered vehicles and machinery, whose electric carts for manual sweeping and other technological additions have simplified and improved their operations.
The General Department of Cleaning and Waste Services has prepared a set of materials which invite us to learn more about this evolution throughout history. If you want to know more, we tell you about it in the video “La historia de un servicio en la sombra: la limpieza y recogida de residuos en la ciudad de Madrid” (The history of a “secret” service: cleaning and waste collection in the city of Madrid).
This video is supplemented by an exhibition presented at the 4th Day of Cleaning and Waste Collection Services, held on March 8, 2023, which seeks to highlight and show appreciation for the work of thousands of colleagues who have carried out these services throughout history, so essential and little known outside the sector.
It also talks about the organization and infrastructures, the cleaning, collection and treatment facilities, or the great technological advances in the work tools, while emphasising the joint responsibility of both the City Council and the public, so that both are involved in changing mindsets to better care for the environment. To this end, it is vitally important to continue with the communication and awareness campaigns aimed at the citizens of Madrid, which have proven to be so successful and well received.
Here is the link to the complete contents, available for downloading in pdf format: “Un servicio con historia” (The history behind a service).
Stay tuned to the “With R for …” campaign page and blog and follow us on our social networks, on Twitter @AciertaOrganica, and Instagram @conrde_madrid to find out about all the campaign activities.
Taking care of Madrid is easy when all of us do it.