“Bit Brother” waste control scheme

Micro-chip technology is going to be used by the Insular Council of Majorca to control householders waste disposal habits and also keep track of waste containers which are regularly stolen. The Insular Council is to fit all rubbish containers with micro-chips in municipalities where it is responsible for refuse collection - Palma, Calvia and Lluchmajor will be excluded from the “Big Brother” rubbish project for the time being. The state-of-the-art system will enable the Insular Council for the Environment to keep a track on all of its rubbish containers and know whet kind of rubbish is being dumped in the bin which in turn will lead to householders being fined should they fail to separate waste which should be deposited in the special recycling containers. At the moment, separating rubbish is voluntary, but once the chips have been fitted, it will become compulsory for all households. The Insular Council also wants to introduce special times within which rubbish can be put out which will coincide with waste collection services so waste does not line the streets all day.