Good to know · Utilities
Recycle organic waste with the Joko Garbia brown bin
Brown bins for organic waste open with a Joko Garbia card obtained through a city procedure; a container map is published.
- Why it matters
- Organic waste is separated in Donostia.
- When
- You move into a home in the city.
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
Cost: Joko Garbia card is free (per the city trámite page).
Steps
- Request the Joko Garbia card
Apply online, at an Udalinfo office or (only if registered in San Sebastián) by phone. You must be over 18 or emancipated. Bring DNI/NIE; if not registered at that address and the water/waste bill is not in your name: lease, an electricity or gas bill in your name, or the owner’s signed authorization. - Receive card and bin voucher
Estimated 10 days; the card arrives at home with a letter including a coupon to exchange for the organic bin at listed locations; bags are taken with the card from vending machines that show the next delivery date. - Use the brown bin
The card opens the brown organic-waste container. One card per applicant; more than one card per home allowed. Lost or non-received card: request a duplicate in person or by phone.
Where
- Municipal waste information
010 / 943 481 000
https://www.donostia.eus/es/espacios-publicos/residuos - Garbigune Garbera (San Marko Mankomunitatea)
Travesia de Garbera s/n, 20017 Donostia
943 21 49 77 (Mancomunidad)
Mon-Fri 09:30-13:20 / 15:30-18:50; Sat 09:30-13:20 / 15:30-17:50; Sun 10:00-13:50; holidays closed (summer/winter)
https://www.sanmarkos.eus/es/garbiguneak - Garbigune Atotxa-Erreka
Zubiberri Bidea 13, Añorga, 20018 Donostia
943 21 49 77
Winter Mon-Fri 09:30-12:50 / 15:30-18:20; Sat 09:30-13:20; Sun/holidays closed. Summer (15 Jul-15 Sep) Mon-Fri 09:30-13:50; Sat 09:30-13:20
https://www.sanmarkos.eus/es/garbiguneak
Tips
- City has a container map (mapa-contenedores).
Official sources
See this in your plan. Your steps in order, for your passport and visa.
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