Lorraine Williamson
Marbella has unveiled a new strategy to deal with mounting waste problems: camera surveillance. From now on, the same devices used to monitor traffic will also capture residents and visitors who flout local disposal rules. Offenders risk immediate fines, but city officials insist the move is more about changing habits than collecting penalties.
The decision follows a sharp increase in reported waste offences. By May, the number of sanctions had already surpassed the total for the whole of 2024. Most cases involved rubbish dumped outside official collection times or left beside containers instead of inside them. Municipal spokesperson Félix Romero noted that tourist activity extending beyond the traditional high season may have fuelled the surge.
What the cameras will monitor
The new system will track several types of infractions:
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dumping rubbish outside authorised hours;
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leaving bags beside bins or in unauthorised spots;
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abandoning bulky household items;
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disposing of construction waste illegally.
Footage is transmitted directly to Marbella’s local police, allowing officers to identify and act on offences in real time. Romero emphasised that surveillance is limited to public areas, not private property.
Behaviour change as the goal
While fines will be issued, the municipality argues that the scheme’s true purpose is to encourage residents and visitors to dispose of rubbish correctly. Officials believe that visible monitoring will make people more aware of the rules and the consequences of breaking them.
The system also offers a practical benefit: collection services can respond faster when rubbish is left in the wrong place, reducing eyesores and odours before they spread.
Clear rules — and campaigns to match
Marbella has strict timetables for household waste disposal, with different provisions for recyclables. Glass has additional restrictions to prevent noise disturbances at night. Alongside the new surveillance, the city will run awareness campaigns to ensure both locals and tourists understand the rules.
How other cities compare
The approach contrasts with nearby Málaga, where complaints about dirty streets have become a political flashpoint. Residents have organised clean-ups themselves, accusing the city council of symbolic rather than structural action.
Unions at municipal cleaning company Limasam blame chronic staff shortages and equipment failures, even as budgets grow. At the same time, fines for breaches have plummeted — a sign, critics argue, that enforcement is weak.
The fight against litter in Spain
A stricter line in Marbella
By comparison, Marbella is opting for visible enforcement and swift penalties. Officials hope the scheme will deter repeat offences and set a standard for other Costa del Sol municipalities. As Romero put it, the ultimate aim is “a cleaner and more liveable city” — one where the focus is on civic responsibility rather than punishment.
Source: Malaga Hoy