The Public Services department of Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has imposed a fine of €2,500 on a local resident who, on November 25, 2023, left a bag of rubbish containing liquids outside the bins once they were full.
In an official statement, the City Council explained that this constitutes a serious violation as per the Municipal Ordinance for Waste Management and Cleaning of Public Spaces, which carries penalties ranging from €2,000 to €100,000.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, stated, “It is imperative for us to penalise individuals who disregard communal regulations and, through their actions, harm public spaces and the city’s heritage, which belongs to everyone and requires significant effort and resources to maintain in optimal conditions.”
Similarly, the Councilor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, remarked, “We cannot allow such infractions to go unpunished, as they demonstrate a lack of respect towards other residents and the city’s sanitation services.”
He further highlighted that “environmentally harmful infractions must be met with sanctions, and in the case of hazardous or soil-contaminating waste, fines can range from €20,000 to €600,000.”
According to the police report, at the scene “the individual in question was seen attempting to clean up the spilled liquids on public roads using soap and water. These liquids originated from black garbage bags containing decomposing organic matter, which were leaking and left outside the nearest bins.”
Additionally, it was noted that “a pool of liquids emitting a noxious odour was present, causing discomfort to merchants and pedestrians in the vicinity throughout the duration of the police intervention.”
