Leaks and smells: the risks of lowering environmental requirements to receive waste from Ibiza

PalmThe Consell de Mallorca will accept that part of the transport of the waste sent from Ibiza be carried in bulk. This represents a change from the institution's initial position, which at first had requested that all of it be packed in compact, pressed, and sealed packages, known as shrink-wrapped bales. Sources from the Consell emphasize that despite the change, environmental regulations and the guidelines established by the European Union will be complied with. However, the initial report recommending the baling of waste, which ARA Balears has accessed, warned of the risks of not doing so: they imply possible leaks, bad smells, and decomposition of refuse.

Mallorca has yielded and will allow receiving part of the waste from Ibiza in bulk, after the consultant BBAsesores clarified that the shrink-wrapping required in a report sent in 2024 was a simple recommendation and not an obligation. This was done because Ibiza alleged that it did not have the technical capacity to package the waste as initially requested.

However, the original report warned that the bulk transfer of waste is less safe in environmental terms. Firstly, it explains that shrink-wrapping with film is necessary to prevent the material from "decomposing during transport or storage, and to prevent leaks, the penetration of rainwater, and odor emissions".

On the other hand, it states that baling guarantees the durability and resistance of the waste, which prevents "waste, odors, and leaks from accumulating, and keeps facilities clean". It also details that hermetic bales do not let oxygen pass, which prevents combustion during storage and transfer and, therefore, the risk of fires. Finally, it indicates that the use of shrink-wrapped waste would represent a significant reduction in odors compared to conventional storage and treatment.

Thus, the consultancy considers in its study that, although the baling of biostabilized material is a little-implemented technique until now, it is the most recommendable to guarantee environmental safety, minimize risks of odors, leaks, and fires, and is more effective than bulk transport which has finally been accepted by the Consell de Mallorca.

An imminent transfer

The president of the Consell d'Eivissa, Vicent Marí, declared to the Diario de Mallorca that the start of the waste transfer was imminent. However, from Mallorca they deny it. The PSIB has demanded this Wednesday in a press conference that more information be given to those affected by the transfer. "The workers who have to handle this and the neighbors have the right to be informed about this situation clearly and transparently", explained the socialist councilor Joana Maria Adrover.