Vacation impressions from Barcelona

In May, I was in Barcelona for a long weekend and in addition to all the beautiful impressions of the sea, the architecture and the Mediterranean flair of the city, I noticed one thing in particular: the remarkably well-organized city cleaning. Despite the lively city life, Barcelona appears clean, well-kept and well thought out. And that is no coincidence.

Cleaners are on duty there all day, almost around the clock. They work in small teams, equipped with classic brooms and a flexible plastic basket into which the garbage is swept directly. A solution that is as simple as it is effective, allowing high mobility and efficiency.

The high number of women in the operational cleaning service was striking. Unlike here in Offenbach, where these activities are almost exclusively carried out by men, the involvement of women in Barcelona's public spaces is striking. The teams appear well-coordinated, present and professional.

The cleaners are usually accompanied by electrically powered vehicles. Compact, quiet and emission-free, they not only serve as a means of transportation, but also as mobile workstations.

In Barcelona, waste is mainly collected via collection islands in the street. These consist of large-volume, color-coded containers for all fractions - i.e. residual waste, paper, organic waste, packaging and glass. The containers are emptied at night. This means that they are available without restriction during the day, without detracting from the cityscape or disrupting traffic flow.

In addition, large waste bins are installed in particularly busy places such as parks and beaches. During my visit, none of these bins were overflowing - an indication of well-functioning emptying logistics and forward-looking capacity planning.

Another decisive factor for the functioning cleaning system appears to be consistent communication. In many places, especially near the beach and in parks, there are signs that clearly inform people of the applicable rules of conduct. For example, smoking on the beach is prohibited and punishable by fines.

The presence of surveillance cameras in public spaces is also clearly recognizable without being disruptive. Rather, the interplay of clear rules, their visualization and consistent enforcement conveys a sense of order and responsibility.

Of course, not every solution can be transferred directly. But Barcelona shows how modern city cleaning can work with simple means, good timing, well thought-out infrastructure and clear communication.

For me, it was an inspiring experience and a good impulse to take a fresh look at our own systems and habits.