Volunteers Collect 9,000kg of Waste Annually
The Brigada del Salabret, a volunteer group dedicated to cleaning Girona’s natural spaces, has issued an open letter urging the Ajuntament de Girona (city council) to increase its involvement in removing waste from riverbanks. The group, which organises weekly cleanups every Sunday, says it removes around 9,000 kilograms of rubbish each year, preventing it from flowing into the sea. In recent weeks, 11 volunteers collected 75 kilograms of waste in Palau-sacosta during the neighbourhood’s Festa Major, highlighting the ongoing problem of littering in public areas. The group also collaborates with local schools and sports teams, including FEDAC Sant Narcís and Basquet Girona, to raise awareness and involve the community in environmental protection.
Group Questions Continued Efforts
Despite their commitment, members of the Brigada del Salabret have begun to question whether they should continue their efforts, citing a lack of institutional support. In their letter addressed to Mayor Lluc Salellas and Climate Action Councillor Sergi Cot, they express frustration over having to fill a gap left by municipal services. Some volunteers participate as a form of protest against civic negligence, others to offset irresponsible behaviour, and many for ecological reasons. The group demands concrete action from the council, including the possibility of involving municipal workers or facilitating official participation in future cleanups.
The city council can do more than just coordinate waste removal after our actions.
Council Cites Resource Limitations
Councillor Sergi Cot acknowledged the group’s vital work and confirmed that both he and the mayor have taken part in previous cleanups. However, he stressed that the council faces limitations in personnel and resources. While attempts were made to involve technical staff from Landscape and Biodiversity or Waste Management departments, these efforts did not materialise due to staffing constraints. Cot explained that the council cannot require employees to work outside their scheduled hours, though it may inform them of volunteer opportunities. He also pointed to past support, including a €1,300 contribution two years ago for equipment and logistical coordination of waste removal after cleanups.
As you rightly say, responsibility lies where individual conscience stands.
He reiterated that the council’s role remains limited to proper coordination of post-cleanup waste collection and expressed willingness to review any specific new requests from the group. Cot praised the initiative, noting that many other cities would welcome such a dedicated civic group.
Residents interested in volunteering can find more information through the city’s official volunteer portal.
Primary sources: eb.girona.cat. Reported by diaridegirona.cat, news.avpalau-sacosta.cat, basquetgirona.com, evgirona.cat, Diari de Girona.
