Orihuela strengthens its rubbish collection service with four new trucks for the coast

Four new urban solid waste collection vehicles have been added to the Orihuela Costa by the Orihuela City Council, thereby concluding years of operation with an obsolete fleet that was frequently subject to breakdowns. Municipal funds entirely fund this initial phase, which involves an investment of €1,279,333. Next week, we will incorporate a fifth lorry into the fleet after finalising the registration process.

The service on the Orihuela coast, which is the area with the highest volume of waste generation in the municipality, will be enhanced by the introduction of two rear-loading compactor collectors (18 m³) and two side-loading compactor collectors (26 m³) today. The five trucks will operate on the Orihuela Costa during the high season, while three will remain stationary on the coast and two will reinforce collection in the outlying districts during the low season. This approach guarantees the adaptation of resources to the specific requirements of each season. Equipos Femazz, SL was awarded the contract, and it successfully completed the supply within eight months. Additionally, the company implemented GPS monitoring systems to enhance route control and efficiency.

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Pepe Vegara, the mayor of Orihuela, declared that the fleet’s renewal was indispensable. Frequent breakdowns, outdated vehicles, and collection delays directly impacted the quality of service we were previously using.

Vegara also underscored that “this investment not only enhances the service but also addresses the needs of residents and employees: a safe, modern, and adequate fleet.” Orihuela has proven that effective and rigorous planning can yield results.

In her own words, the Councillor for Urban Solid Waste, Rocío Ortuño, underscored that “these vehicles not only enhance collection capacity and reduce wait times but also enhance the working conditions of operators, which we prioritise.”

Ortuño elucidated that “Orihuela Costa experiences a population increase of threefold during the summer, a phenomenon that is common to all coastal cities. This necessitates a significant investment in waste management.” The City Council is taking action by replacing its vehicles, strengthening the service, and utilising all available resources. However, we require the collaboration of all parties.

The councillor stressed the importance of adhering to the ordinance, which mandates the timely removal of garbage, the preservation of collection points, and the avoidance of the placement of debris or personal belongings on public streets. If we all do it right, the cleanup will cost a lot more, and we’ll all pay. We aspire to a cleaner Orihuela; however, our goal necessitates the collective responsibility of all individuals.

The acquisition of this new fleet has been a lengthy process that necessitated extensive technical and administrative planning, from the preparation of the specifications to the awarding and final delivery of the vehicles. The councillor clarified that the investment must be made with all the necessary guarantees, although it is a lengthy procedure. The councillor is constantly striving to achieve the best possible conditions for the City Council and the service.

Better outcomes and increased control

The new vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge compaction systems and a GPS system that will enhance service planning and optimise routes. Additionally, they are accompanied by a two-year warranty, which guarantees optimal functionality during the initial phase of intensive use.

The fleet renewal has followed the recent expansion and renovation of the 1,643 waste containers, which involved an investment of €800,000. This investment has improved the collection capacity and service in the city centre, surrounding districts, and Orihuela Costa. The City Council is in the process of implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance waste management and provide a more efficient and pure Orihuela as a result of these investments.

In the upcoming weeks, the City Council will also acquire six new, smaller trucks that are currently under tender. This investment is nearly €300,000. This serves as an extension of the fleet modernisation initiative and underscores the City Council’s dedication to the ongoing enhancement of waste collection and cleansing services.