The presence of waste in the perimeter of the health center had been a problem for years
For the moment, six ashtrays have been installed that will be expanded with another four in a second phase
The Figueres Hospital (Girona) has become the first from Spain to have a system of ashtrays outside able to recycle tobacco butts within the framework of an action on the occasion of the European Waste Prevention Week. The Socio-Health Center has joined the initiative Bernat James in the same city, which is also managed by the Fundación Salut Empordà (FSE).
To carry out recycling, the FSE has signed a three-year collaboration agreement with the company Keenat, the only one in Spain that offers this type of solution to reduce the impact of cigarette butts on the environment, according to its spokesperson. , Adrien Garcia, during the presentation of the new ashtray system. With this method, these residues are converted into energy sources or other materials.
For the moment, six of these ashtrays have been installed, five in the health center and one in the social health center, which will be expanded with another four in a second phase.
Solution to a ‘years old’ problem
The ESF cleaning team is in charge of empty them to safely store butts in a drum awaiting its periodic collection for later recycling.
The person in charge of the Environment of the FSE, Elena Bonet, explained during the presentation that “the presence of cigarette butts in the perimeter of the Hospital and Bernat Jaume It’s been a problem for years“.
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“Despite having ashtrays, many people throw them on the groundwith the problems it represents for the environment: water contamination or clogging of drains”, he added.
Adrien Garcia has also intervened to remind that “cigarette butts represent 40% of the waste in the Mediterranean“.