Santa Cruz de Tenerife Expands Organic Waste Collection Citywide

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is expanding its organic waste collection program across the city. Following a successful pilot in the Salud-La Salle and Centro-Ifara districts, the city council is now preparing to roll out the "brown bin" system to all five municipal districts.

Since the program began in 2020, the city has processed over 7,000 tons of biodegradable waste. The material collected is remarkably clean, with a 98% purity rate, making it ideal for turning food scraps and plant waste into high-quality compost. This process supports the local circular economy and helps the environment by preventing organic matter from rotting in landfills, which significantly reduces methane emissions.

The current system, operated by the company Valoriza, uses 448 bins accessible via 5,300 keys distributed to residents. Looking ahead, the city plans to modernize the service by switching to a card or mobile app system. This upgrade will allow the council to track individual contributions and offer tax incentives to residents who participate.

The city aims to bring organic collection to the Anaga, Ofra-Costa Sur, and Suroeste districts between late 2024 and 2025, tailoring the rollout to the needs of each neighborhood. To help residents get started, the council is providing free starter kits—including a 7-liter bin and compostable bags—at the Citizen Service Office in Plaza Curtidos Hermanos Dorta.

This initiative aligns with European circular economy standards, which require cities to separate organic waste to lower their carbon footprint. By expanding this program, Santa Cruz is working to build a more efficient, sustainable waste management system that meets modern environmental regulations.