The Almería City Council has announced a significant reinforcement of the cleaning services for the upcoming 2026 Feria, aiming to prevent waste accumulation and maintain the city in optimal condition. The plan includes the installation of 60 recycling stations, 100 ring-type bins attached to lampposts, and 30 special event bins, totaling 290 additional units along Paseo de Almería and other key areas.
This deployment marks a substantial increase compared to the 2025 Feria, which saw 40 additional points. The measure is intended to prevent overflows in areas with high public concentration, particularly in Almería's Center and the La Goleta neighborhood, which are central to the Midday Fair's activities.
The cleaning operation will involve a total of 78 operators, working in morning, afternoon, and night shifts. They will be joined by 33 workers specifically assigned to waste collection and transport. The operation will utilize 22 cleaning vehicles, including hot water cleaning units, tanker trucks for street washing, vacuum sweepers, and auxiliary vehicles for bins and accumulation points, along with 12 additional vehicles for waste removal and container cleaning, bringing the total to 34 vehicles.
The Councilor for Environmental Sustainability and Energy, Antonio Urdiales, emphasized the goal of making proper waste disposal as easy as possible for residents and visitors. The 100 lamppost bins will offer separate compartments for recyclables and general waste, complementing the recycling stations and special bins.
A dedicated team will monitor the functionality of these new facilities during the Feria, continuously checking the bins and identifying those nearing capacity to act proactively before overflows occur. The Feria Grounds will also maintain its nightly cleaning routine to ensure spaces are in the best condition each morning.
The 'Live, Enjoy, Care for Almería' awareness campaign will accompany the cleaning reinforcement. It will feature in public display units, digital screens, bins, bags, and recycling stations to spread a common message during the festivities. Additionally, from August 22nd to 29th, coinciding with the Midday Fair, a daily information booth will be set up in various city locations, staffed by a four-person team to provide information and gather feedback.
As an artistic initiative, artist Nauni will conduct a graffiti exhibition from August 24th to 28th on Calle Castelar with San Francisco de Asís. A graffiti contest will be held in the same location on Friday, August 28th, with the aim of leaving the artwork in the city as a lasting message about caring for public spaces.
The City Council views the 2026 operation as a comprehensive enhancement, combining more disposal points, specific monitoring, continuous cleaning, and a citizen engagement campaign to manage the increased waste generated during the Feria and maintain Almería in excellent condition throughout the busy festival period.
