Tenerife Strengthens Waste Management with Enhanced Selective Collection Measures

In a significant move to improve environmental sustainability, the Department of Cleaning in Tenerife has announced a series of reinforced measures to guarantee the efficiency of the selective waste collection service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align the island's waste management practices with European standards and address the growing concerns of environmental degradation.

New Measures and Objectives

The enhanced measures, which came into effect in late 2024, include the deployment of additional collection vehicles and the expansion of the existing recycling infrastructure. The department aims to increase the rate of correctly sorted waste, reducing the amount of mixed waste that ends up in landfills. This is crucial given the island's historical challenges with waste management, particularly the improper disposal of sewage and the contamination of coastal areas[1].

Community Engagement and Education

A key component of the new strategy is a comprehensive consumer education program. The local government will launch a series of campaigns to raise awareness among residents about the importance of proper waste sorting and the benefits of recycling. This educational drive is designed to change cultural attitudes towards waste disposal, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices.

Infrastructure Upgrades

To support the new measures, the department is investing in the development of new piping infrastructure and the upgrade of existing wastewater treatment plants. By the end of 2024, Tenerife is expected to have a total of 12 wastewater treatment plants, capable of treating 100% of the island's wastewater. This infrastructure expansion is part of the "Reclamagua" policy, a three-pronged approach to diversify Tenerife's water portfolio and increase its resilience to future climatic changes[1].

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The improved waste management system is anticipated to have multiple benefits for the island. It will help reduce the amount of sewage released into the ocean, preventing beach closures due to contamination, which are common in popular tourist locations. Additionally, the reduced need to extract groundwater will help maintain the quality of the groundwater aquifer, preventing salinization and preserving the island's natural landscape[1].

Collaboration and Funding

The initiative is supported by European Union funds, with significant allocations for waste management in various islands of the Canary archipelago, including Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The local governments of these islands have been awarded substantial funds to improve their waste management systems, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental sustainability across the region[4].

Conclusion

Tenerife's enhanced selective waste collection measures mark a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the island. By combining infrastructure upgrades, community education, and regulatory changes, the Department of Cleaning is setting a precedent for other regions to follow. As the island continues to grapple with the challenges of physical water scarcity and environmental degradation, these initiatives offer a promising path forward, ensuring a safer, smarter, and more resilient Tenerife for its residents and visitors alike.