Operational Issues at Tenerife’s Waste Plant
The packaging section of the Insular Waste Plant of Tenerife (PIRS), located in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife, has been non-operational since last Sunday, according to sources from the workforce, resulting in substantial accumulation. This situation adds to the criticisms from the Socialist opposition regarding the management of this area, which they claim is experiencing the worst phase under the current Island government.
Current Status and Anticipated Resolution
The problems that arose on Sunday remain unresolved; however, worker sources suggest a potential resolution by this Thursday. Nonetheless, the situation is regarded as serious, with concerns about recurrence. Canarias Ahora requested the government’s perspective on Wednesday morning, but, so far, to no avail.
Political Criticism and Waste Management Concerns
This halt in the packaging plant’s operations occurs amid growing concerns and criticisms from the PSOE regarding waste management on the Island during the current term. In fact, they have labelled 2024 as the “worst” year in this regard over the last 40, citing lower recovery rates and a higher number of tonnes buried. Socialists fear that the situation will deteriorate further in 2025 and particularly criticise the state of the Arico plant and the “failure” to establish three of the eight new clean points planned, with either contests remaining vacant or contractors withdrawing, necessitating new tendering processes.
Assessment of Waste Management
According to the PSOE, this latest standstill corroborates their view that waste management in Tenerife is “in a critical phase, characterised by contractual non-compliance, failed tenders, and unfulfilled promises concerning key projects for waste treatment and recycling.”
Environmental Complex and Recovery Rates
The party emphasises the importance of the Arico Environmental Complex, as it is responsible for processing unrecycled waste and recovering recyclable materials such as cardboard, packaging, and metals. They assert that it is not meeting the minimum recovery percentages stipulated in the 2022 contract. This situation leads to an increased volume of waste being sent directly to landfill, raising costs for the Cabildo and exposing it to potential legal and financial repercussions for this non-compliance.
Cleansing Points and European Funding
Regarding the clean points, the PSOE recalls that these are projects inherited from the Socialist coalition and that they have access to European funds, yet their execution is impeded. During the previous term, plans were drafted and approved to create eight new clean points, with the aim of increasing from eight to sixteen. Moreover, discussions were held with the Canary Islands government to secure over 5 million euros in European funding for these initiatives.
Unfulfilled Promises and Impact on Recycling
Additionally, the socialists denounce the “grand announcements” regarding numerous projects in this area that ultimately result in little action, contrasting sharply with what they describe as the worst phase in recycling and waste management.
