Santa Cruz de Tenerife Faces Growing Waste Management Crisis

The municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is currently contending with a significant and escalating issue concerning uncollected rubbish, particularly around waste disposal containers. This situation has raised alarms among residents, cleaning personnel, and local officials alike, all of whom are increasingly worried about the deteriorating state of cleanliness throughout the area.

According to Carlos Tarife, the head of the Public Services Department, there has been a marked increase in the number of infractions related to discarded items in public spaces. The statistics reveal a troubling trend: in 2020, the city recorded a total of 6,734 infractions, with approximately 2,900 of these linked to items left on the streets. The following year, this number rose to 7,678 total infractions, nearly half of which—around 3,452—were associated with discarded items. By 2022, the situation had worsened further, with a total of 8,820 infractions reported, 4,000 of which involved items improperly disposed of.

Waste Disposal Challenges Intensify

Tarife emphasized the seriousness of the problem concerning discarded items, highlighting that the city council has implemented various systems designed to facilitate the proper disposal of such items. These initiatives include a dedicated phone line for residents to report issues and daily cleaning operations conducted across different districts. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these measures has come under scrutiny, as many residents continue to disregard proper disposal protocols.

On a daily basis, cleaning staff respond to an average of 200 requests for item collection. However, only 40 of these requests originate from individuals who have proactively reported the items, indicating that a significant number—approximately 160—are being abandoned without prior notification to the collection service. This pattern of behavior not only complicates waste management efforts but also places additional strain on the city’s resources.

Innovative Approaches to Waste Management

In light of the escalating waste management challenges, the Public Services Department is poised to introduce a new phone reservation system. This system will allow residents to receive notifications via SMS or WhatsApp regarding the appropriate times and locations for disposing of unwanted items. Tarife noted that this initiative aims to assist police and inspectors in enforcing compliance with waste disposal regulations. Residents who fail to adhere to these rules may face penalties for leaving items on the streets without the necessary permissions, thereby encouraging responsible behavior.

Strengthened Oversight and Inspections

At the beginning of the year, the Public Services Department employed five inspectors, one for each district, to oversee compliance with waste management regulations. This number has now expanded to 25 inspectors, significantly enhancing the municipality’s capacity for monitoring infractions. The increase in personnel is a strategic move aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding waste management and ensuring that residents adhere to established guidelines.

Officials have indicated that the rise in reported incidents correlates directly with the enhanced oversight of the cleaning service. With 25 inspectors now deployed across the municipality, their responsibilities extend beyond waste management to encompass other areas within the local authority. This comprehensive approach not only improves compliance but also fosters a greater sense of accountability among residents and businesses alike.

Furthermore, the increased presence of inspectors is expected to serve as a deterrent to those who might consider disregarding waste disposal regulations. By actively monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties where necessary, the city aims to cultivate a culture of responsibility and respect for public spaces.

Key points

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife is grappling with a significant increase in uncollected rubbish, particularly near waste containers.
• Infractions related to discarded items have surged from 6,734 in 2020 to 8,820 in 2022.
• A mere fraction of the requests for item collection are reported by residents, highlighting widespread non-compliance.
• A new phone reservation system will be implemented to streamline the proper disposal of unwanted items.
• The number of inspectors monitoring waste management has increased from five to 25 this year, enhancing oversight.