Planned waste transport from Ibiza and Formentera to Mallorca hangs in the balance

Project on Ice: Waste from Ibiza and Formentera was to be burned in Palma

Remember the promise to start a trial phase at the end of October? The idea was simple: Because the landfill on Ibiza is operating at capacity, residual-waste transports by ferry to Mallorca should arrive and be burned in the waste-to-energy plant Son Reus in Palma. Now the plan is on ice for the moment. In parliament, the Vox faction blocked the necessary decree on Wednesday.

Why this suddenly isn't working anymore

In short: political resistance. But behind it lie tangible problems that you feel in the Palma office just as much as at the port mole in Ibiza Town. Budget issues, liability questions, organizational issues around ferry capacities, and above all: who pays the extra transport costs? Residents of Formentera are worried—the island has hardly any storage space, and the pressure grows with every truck.

The Balearic government now finds itself backed into a corner. Honestly, it feels a bit rushed: precisely now, when the tourist season is tailing off and ferry connections are quieter, a solution should be tried. Instead, suddenly it’s: back to the negotiating table.

Possible alternatives — and what could come

Several contingency plans are being discussed: temporary intermediate storage on the mainland, increased recycling on site, or the expansion of collection routes so less residual waste is produced. Some propose smaller pilot transports run only at night on the ferries to avoid further straining the ports. Realistic? Hard to say — every proposal brings new costs and resistance.

On the streets and at the harbors you already hear voices against the project, but also those who say: "Better burned under controlled conditions than landfills overflowing." Both sides have points. For residents, the question remains how transparently the authorities will communicate in the future — and whether there will be a binding timetable.

What happens now: the government must look for alternatives, start talks with the island councils, and ensure that waste disposal does not become a perpetual burden. For the people on Ibiza and Formentera, it’s clear: solutions must be fast, practical, and above all fairly funded.

I will continue to follow developments — and of course inform you as soon as there is news. Until then: keep an eye on the ports, and don't forget to separate your trash at home. It helps surprisingly a lot.