The City Council of La Laguna, via the Department of Municipal Services, has initiated the rollout of a network of brown containers for collecting organic waste. This new service aims to enhance waste management while safeguarding the environment.
This container, commonly referred to as ‘El Canelo’, is being introduced across various neighbourhoods and villages within the municipality. Concurrently, the City Council is conducting a public information campaign to promote the new service and educate residents on the significance of properly separating this waste, which encompasses food scraps and small garden debris.
The Councillor for Municipal Services, Fran Hernández, stated, “Our goal is to visit neighbourhoods and towns, advising and informing residents about proper usage and the environmental benefits, as this waste, after its treatment, transforms into compost for our farmers.”
During a press conference attended by representatives from the six districts, the councillor highlighted that the City Council is responsible for providing the necessary resources to facilitate easy recycling for citizens and that their cooperation is essential for making San Cristóbal de la Laguna a leading municipality in sustainability.
The new brown-covered containers require an access key designed to ensure that only those who responsibly participate are able to deposit their organic waste, thus preventing contamination with non-biodegradable materials.
The Department of Municipal Services will provide residents who request it with keys for access and will issue organic kits, which include a small bin, the container key, an informational brochure, and compostable bags, all aimed at promoting correct usage of the service. It should be noted that this type of waste must be placed in suitable biodegradable bags for organic decomposition.
Residents seeking further information can contact 900 102 925 to request a key from the Urbaser Citizen Attention Office (located at the corner of Núñez de la Peña and Baltasar Nuñez). There, they will be offered the necessary guidance for proper waste separation, as well as details on the nearest container to their residence.
Circular economy: Nutrient-rich fertiliser
Once collected, the organic materials are transported to the Environmental Complex of Tenerife (CAT), where they undergo natural decomposition in a controlled environment, resulting in a natural fertiliser rich in nutrients that is utilised to enrich gardens and agricultural fields. This circular economy model transforms waste from being merely refuse into a valuable raw material that, once recycled, supports the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
In this regard, Fran Hernández emphasised, “We are the first generation to fully understand climate change and potentially the last with the ability to counter it. This responsibility compels us to implement tangible measures, such as establishing this network of brown containers. We are certain that day-to-day municipal management is the key to the future of cities, and the lagoon and its residents serve as a model of commitment and responsibility.”
Major generators
Alongside the brown containers for public use, municipal services have set up 1,800-litre deposits in locations frequented by major waste producers, including 38 schools, restaurants, supermarkets, care homes, catering businesses, and markets, which typically generate substantial volumes of organic waste.
The Municipal Services Manager reported, “This service was launched last November, and we are pleased with the collaboration from all parties involved, who are demonstrating their commitment to more responsible management,” and added, “We continue progressing to solidify the lagoon as a benchmark for sustainability, with the participation of all our residents.”
What can we place in ‘El Canelo’
Food scraps including: leftover bread, fruit peelings, vegetable trimmings, fish bones, shells, eggshells, and nut shells.
Meat and fish remains.
Coffee grounds and tea bags.
Greasy kitchen paper and cardboard.
Small garden trimmings: flowers and leaves.
Cork and sawdust caps.
Compostable plastics.
Ice cream sticks and wooden skewers.
