Tenerife Boosts Recycling Rates by Over 50% Through Waste Management Overhaul
Tenerife has significantly improved its waste management and recycling rates through a €60 million investment in the Arico Environmental Complex and expanded public sustainability initiatives.
Tenerife is transforming how it manages waste, focusing on recycling more materials and teaching the public about sustainability. According to the Cabildo of Tenerife, the island has boosted its recovery of paper, cardboard, and plastic by over 50% between 2023 and 2026. Officials credit this success to modernized facilities and a stronger commitment from residents to recycle.
The Arico Environmental Complex is at the heart of this change. Once a simple landfill, it has been transformed into a resource hub thanks to a €60 million investment in new technology and logistics. These upgrades allowed the facility to process over 421,700 tons of waste in 2025, while keeping transport-related emissions low.
This progress is vital given the island’s growing population and high number of tourists. Despite welcoming over 6.5 million visitors annually and seeing a population increase of 17,600 in just two years, the growth in household waste has been limited to 6.05%. The Arico sorting plant is now a national leader, recovering more than 26,000 tons of materials from mixed waste each year.
The Cabildo’s strategy relies on transparency, education, and technology. Public interest in the facilities has tripled since 2020, with over 3,400 people visiting annually. Educational programs like Tenerife + Sostenible and the Aulas + Sostenibles project now reach 90 schools, while the Truec@ app helps residents swap used items. Additionally, the island’s network of "clean points" for specialized recycling saw a record 338,920 users in 2025.
Local leaders, including Cabildo President Rosa Dávila and minister Blanca Pérez, emphasize that sustainability is essential for the island's economic health and quality of life. With new projects like the Arona logistics center underway, Tenerife aims to lead the way in circular economy practices, reducing landfill use and making the most of its resources.