Gibraltar (GI)

A unique British Overseas Territory at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula: English-speaking, tax-efficient (no VAT, no CGT, no inheritance tax), with a Mediterranean climate, 300 days of sunshine, and the world-famous Rock of Gibraltar.

Capital: Gibraltar

Region: Europe

Language: English

Currency: GIP (£)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 78)

Emergency: 999

Recycling & Waste in Gibraltar

Bin system, bottle deposits, special disposal, and common mistakes.

Gibraltar has a waste management and recycling system operated by the Gibraltar Waste Management Company. Given the territory's extremely small size (6.7 km²) and dense population, waste management is a significant challenge. Recycling infrastructure includes bottle banks, cardboard collection, and kerbside recycling in newer residential developments. Gibraltar's waste management strategy aims to reduce landfill use and increase recycling rates.

The Bin System

General waste

Black/grey

General waste / residual waste

Accepts

✓General household waste
✓Food waste (where no organic bin provided)
✓Non-recyclable packaging
✓Sanitary items

Not accepted

✗Electronics
✗Batteries
✗Hazardous waste
✗Large furniture items

Paper and cardboard

Blue

Paper and cardboard recycling

Accepts

✓Newspapers and magazines
✓Cardboard boxes (flattened)
✓Paper bags
✓Office paper
✓Envelopes

Not accepted

✗Waxed cardboard
✗Food-contaminated paper
✗Plastic wrap

Glass

Green/clear

Glass bottle bank

Accepts

✓Glass bottles (wine, spirits, olive oil)
✓Glass jars
✓Beer bottles

Not accepted

✗Pyrex/ovenware
✗Ceramics
✗Light bulbs
✗Window glass

Mixed recyclables

Yellow

Mixed recyclables

Accepts

✓Plastic bottles and containers
✓Aluminium cans
✓Steel tins
✓Cardboard milk/juice cartons

Not accepted

✗Black plastic bags
✗Polystyrene
✗Crisp packets
✗Plastic film/wrap

Special Disposal

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Designated WEEE collection points at Beefsteak Industrial Estate and civic amenity sites. Retailers of electronics are required to accept old items under the Distributor Take-Back Scheme.

Do not place in general waste. This includes TVs, computers, phones, small appliances.

Batteries (household)

Battery collection bins at Morrisons, Co-op, pharmacies, and public buildings.

Do not place in general waste — batteries contain hazardous materials.

Medicines and pharmaceuticals

Return to any Gibraltar pharmacy.

Do not flush down the toilet or place in general waste.

Motor oil and automotive fluids

Gibraltar civic amenity site (Beefsteak Industrial Estate, Europa Road) or automotive garages.

Paint and solvents

Civic amenity site or contact the Gibraltar Waste Management Company.

Do not pour down drains.

Furniture and large items (bulky waste)

Contact Gibraltar Waste Management Company for bulky waste collection. Do not leave on the street without arrangement.

Practical Tips

→ Gibraltar's small size means waste sites are close by — using them is easy and encouraged.
→ Many supermarkets and public buildings have battery and small WEEE recycling bins.
→ Recycling is important in Gibraltar given the territory's environmental constraints.
→ Building managers in apartment blocks should provide residents with recycling bin access — ask your landlord or management company.
→ Bottle banks are dotted across the territory — look for the green glass recycling banks at supermarkets and car parks.
→ Cross the border to La Línea (Spain) for WEEE/furniture recycling — Spanish "puntos limpios" (clean points) are available there.