In Catalonia they are called deixalleria, in the Basque country garbigune, in Valencia ecoparque, in Pamplona green points, and in Madrid and most of Spain clean points (puntos limpios). Different names for an excellent idea that makes it easier for su to recycle and take care of the environment.

A clean point is a guarded enclosure in which domestic waste that cannot be dumped the normal way for reasons of danger or size can be deposited free of charge. Generally located outside the city limits, these installations have specific containers where such waste as rubble or thermometers can be dumped all day long and nearly every day of the week. All the clean points also have the classic containers for glass, paper, cardboard and batteries. But none accept organic waste.

The correct functioning of clean points is dependent on the users sorting the waste in advance. On entering the enclosure, an operator informs users how to dump the waste and the maximum limits. In this way an installation that is aimed at individuals, offices and small businesses will avoid becoming an industrial dumping spot.

With a few exceptions, the accepted items of waste that can be taken to a clean point are the following:
- Hazardous or special domestic waste: batteries, oil filters, flourescent and mercury lamps; thermometers, dissolvents, paints and varnish, household appliances that contain dangerous substances - air conditioning or refrigerating systems -, mineral oils, aerosols, PVC, X-rays, medicine and photographic material.
- Voluminous domestic waste: tyres, furniture, pillows, beds, TVs, computers, washing machines and dishwashers.
- Ordinary domestic waste: paper and cardboard, glass, plastic, metal, textiles and cooking oil.
- Other: wood, plants and rubble.

Dumping your waste in a clean point guarantees its correct treatment. Everything that can be recycled - furniture, toys or good quality clothes, for example - is usually handed over to charities. Aluminium, paper, oil, batteries, PVC, metals, mobile phones, flourescent lights, computers, tyres and plants are taken to the different recycling installations that exist. If  recycling is not viable, the clean point managers transport the waste to incinerating plants or controlled dumps where it will be eliminated or stored in a secure manner.

If you want to find out about the location, timetable and permitted limits of your closest clean points ask the Environment Council or at your local town hall for information.