The Puerto de la Cruz Town Council is set to initiate a public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging residents to comply with waste disposal timings and to place their rubbish in the designated bins instead of leaving bags on the ground. “It costs nothing to flatten a cardboard box, which also takes up less space,” remarks the Councillor for General Services, Alonso Acevedo, somewhat ironically.
“It is evident that if residents do not cooperate, the city will perpetually be filled with waste,” he affirms.
The councillor made these comments in response to a complaint received by this newspaper from locals living near the Iders building, who are adversely affected by the accumulation of rubbish both in the bins and on the streets, leading to an increase in rats and cockroaches in the vicinity. He states that as it is a significant commercial area, the Councillor for Commerce, Diego Moreno, circulated a document outlining the established waste collection times. Nonetheless, he adds, large boxes of goods and containers are frequently spotted “abandoned on the streets.” He also expressed confusion over why people choose to discard waste, especially cardboard, at that particular spot on Familia Betancourt and Molina avenues, when alternative bins are available nearby, including those situated on Colón avenue. However, he acknowledges, “This is not the sole issue; there are also other problems, such as the descent of the Calzada de Martiánez.” Alonso explains that waste collection is performed by the concessionary company with the same regularity. “The population has not surged to such an extent as to show increased rubbish levels. Nonetheless, we are currently working to enhance the situation because the waste collection and street cleaning contract is inadequate,” he states. The reality is that the Iders building remains a significant issue until its interior can be addressed. “The issue of waste outside can be resolved by both the Administration and the public, but everyone must work together,” he stresses.
According to Alonso, this requires adherence to the disposal timings and throwing waste in the correct manner and place, while the Town Council must also reassess the frequency of the service and consider potential “alternative solutions” such as increasing the number of bins in the areas that need them.
