Bonuses for using the brown bin have more than tripled in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This year, 9,447 households will benefit from discounts on their waste tax, compared to 2,735 households in the previous billing cycle, marking a 245% increase.
These figures reflect a notable improvement in organic matter collection. The City Council reports that organic waste collection rose by 13% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. This growth follows a 20% increase recorded throughout 2025.
The City Council interprets these statistics as a sign of improved waste separation habits. Mayor Maider Etxebarria has linked part of this progress to the municipal bonus measure, aimed at rewarding those who separate organic waste.
“"To access these bonuses, individuals must register in a data sharing registry. Currently, approximately 28,000 people are registered, with about 11,000 set to receive some form of environmental bonus."
In addition to bonuses linked to the brown bin, composting incentives have also increased. For individual composting, 1,169 households will receive discounts this year (a 39% rise), while 335 households will benefit from community composting (a 5% increase).
Despite the improved data, the challenge of organic matter remains. Etxebarria reminded that this fraction constitutes about 45% of household waste. Therefore, the City Council believes there is still room to increase separation and reduce the presence of organic material in mixed waste.
To address this, a new awareness campaign titled “There’s always a first time, yours can be today” will be launched this Monday. The campaign will be visible across information media, social networks, and the municipal website.
The initiative will be accompanied by the free distribution of bags at municipal civic and sports centers, aiming to make it easier for more households to adopt the habit of separating organic matter.
Etxebarria has emphasized that separating organic waste is a simple action with a significant impact on the city and the environment. The municipal message is particularly directed at those who do not yet use the brown bin or do not do so regularly.
The growth in bonuses shows that more households are taking the step. The jump from 2,735 to 9,447 beneficiary households is one of the most striking figures in the presented balance. It also reflects that the incentive policy is beginning to have a broader effect.
Organic waste collection is crucial for waste management as it allows for better treatment of a significant portion of domestic refuse. When separated correctly, it can be directed to composting or other specific treatments. When mixed with other waste, it complicates management and reduces recycling quality.
The City Council now aims to leverage the improved data to further expand participation. Monday's campaign will seek to reach those who still do not use the brown bin and remind them of the existing bonuses for households that do.
