Trash & Recycling Rules
Use these phrases when moving into a new apartment in Spain or Latin America to ask about trash disposal and recycling rules.
Key Phrases
¿Podría decirme dónde se tiran las bolsas de basura en este edificio, por favor?
Could you tell me where the trash bags are thrown in this building, please?
💡 A polite request using the conditional tense to find the disposal area.
Es necesario que separemos el plástico del vidrio antes de bajar al contenedor.
It is necessary that we separate plastic from glass before going down to the bin.
💡 Uses the present subjunctive after the impersonal expression 'es necesario que'.
¿Qué día de la semana pasa el camión para recoger los residuos orgánicos?
What day of the week does the truck come by to collect organic waste?
💡 A useful question to learn the collection schedule for food waste.
Si tiene dudas sobre el cartón, puede preguntar al conserje que limpia la entrada.
If you have doubts about cardboard, you can ask the caretaker who cleans the entrance.
💡 Uses a relative clause with 'que' to identify the caretaker.
Me gustaría saber si hay un horario específico para sacar la basura reciclable.
I would like to know if there is a specific time to take out recyclable trash.
💡 Uses the conditional 'me gustaría' to express a polite inquiry.
Los contenedores de color azul son para los papeles que ya no sirven.
The blue bins are for papers that are no longer useful.
Aunque el contenedor gris está lleno, no debemos dejar las bolsas en el suelo.
Although the gray bin is full, we must not leave the bags on the ground.
💡 Uses the connector 'aunque' to contrast the situation with the rule.
¿Dónde puedo encontrar el cubo verde que se utiliza para tirar las botellas?
Where can I find the green bin that is used for throwing away bottles?
Además de las cajas grandes, también hay que reciclar los periódicos que leemos.
In addition to large boxes, we also have to recycle the newspapers we read.
💡 Uses the connector 'además de' to add information.
Es mejor que hables con el vecino cuya terraza da al patio de luces.
It is better that you speak with the neighbor whose terrace faces the lightwell.
💡 Uses the relative pronoun 'cuya' to denote possession.