Adeje Town Hall has launched a campaign of sanctions to reduce and eliminate the dumping and discarding of waste from construction, refurbishment work carried out by companies, or gardening and pruning remains.
To monitor and control the situation, various municipal departments, including Land Planning, Works and Services, Public Safety, and Penalties, have coordinated their efforts. In this regard, police patrols will specifically monitor areas identified as the main hotspots for the problem. Swift cleaning and waste collection actions are also being implemented to minimise the impact on the environment and surrounding areas.
In recent months, the dumping of waste from construction work and gardening, such as rubble and remains of electrical or plumbing work, has increased in areas near the Punto Limpio (clean point), along the TF-47 road, in the municipality’s industrial zones, and in key areas of the TF-82 road. Most of this waste is produced and dumped by companies working for other businesses or private clients, who then fail to comply with the regulations set out by the Canary Islands Waste Law.
The most recent fine was imposed on a company caught in the act by a Local Police patrol as they disposed of electrical material waste right at the door of the Punto Limpio, which was closed at the time. As the volume of waste was not significant, nor was it hazardous to the environment or people, the fine was set at €3,000. However, had the waste been dangerous or harmful to health or safety, the fine could have been as much as €60,00.
The Town Hall is reminding those contracting construction, refurbishment, or cleaning services that companies typically charge a fee to cover the disposal of this waste in compliance with the law. In other words, users are paying for these tasks to be carried out correctly, even though not all companies appear to be fulfilling this obligation.
Adeje Town Hall’s aim is not to raise funds or solely issue fines, but to set an example that raises awareness about the importance of respecting the environment and ending illegal dumping. In fact, there has already been communication with Tenerife Cabildo, which manages the Punto Limpio in the municipality, to improve the facility and extend its opening hours to seven days a week, offering more options for those generating this type of waste. The relevant department of the Cabildo has been fully receptive and has already begun making these improvements, as reported by the island authority itself.