“Is enforcement alone enough to solve coastal waste issues?“
Orihuela City Council has recently emphasised the role of enforcement, reporting that Local Police processed 850 cases over the past two years to uphold public order across the municipality.
These included 134 incidents of public drinking, more than 110 noise complaints, over 90 cases of littering and dumping, and 42 interventions related to anti-social behaviour. In total, fines issued amount to approximately €290,000—evidence, the council argues, of a strong and active policing presence helping to deter repeat offences.
While this demonstrates commitment to enforcing by-laws, the situation regarding uncontrolled dumping of garden waste and bulky items tells a more complex story. Enforcement alone does not address the root causes if the supporting public services are not functioning effectively.
Significant gaps remain in the waste collection system managed by Limpieza Viaria and RSU Orihuela. Residents are not consistently or clearly informed about collection schedules for different areas, creating confusion and misuse. Promised improvements—such as the ability to request collections via WhatsApp—have not yet been implemented, leaving many dependent on overloaded phone lines or email systems that are not accessible to everyone.
Operational capacity is another concern. Without sufficient lorries, designated garden waste containers, and staffing levels, the service struggles to deliver collections reliably and on time. This lack of consistency inevitably contributes to illegal dumping.
Perhaps most notably, the long-promised permanent recycling centre for the coastal area remains undelivered, despite funding approval from the Vega Baja Consortium several years ago and its inclusion in the current mayor’s election commitments.
A balanced approach is needed. Enforcement plays a role, but it must be matched by efficient, accessible services. Improving collection systems and infrastructure would likely reduce offences at source, easing pressure on police resources and allowing them to focus on more serious matters such as crime.
