Tenerife is being cleared of old fertilizers: farmers have already handed over 1.6 tons of hazardous waste.

In Tenerife, old and harmful fertilizers are being removed from the fields. In just one day, farmers handed over as much as 1.6 tons of such waste! This is very important because these substances can pollute the water underground.

The collection was organized at a special reception point in Los Realejos. And this is just the beginning - the campaign will last all month in the north of the island. It is there that there are the most nitrates in the soil due to agriculture. The coastal area near the La Orotava Valley is particularly affected.

Tenerife grows many different crops - from tropical fruits near the sea to potatoes in the mountains. Therefore, proper disposal of fertilizer waste is a big problem. But the local authorities have taken it seriously. Prior to this, in June-July, 4 tons of waste were removed in the south of the island.

Agriculture leaves behind dangerous waste. If it is not disposed of properly, it can harm nature and human health. Farms accumulate many expired or prohibited drugs. Why is that? Because fertilizers are becoming less toxic, and old ones are eventually banned.

Another reason is constantly changing rules. Sometimes farmers simply cannot use certain drugs, but they cannot simply throw them away. By law, farmers themselves must take waste for disposal. But it's not free, and it's not always convenient.

Nitrates from fertilizers heavily pollute water. They easily dissolve and enter groundwater, polluting wells. Therefore, it is important not to overuse fertilizers and to properly dispose of waste.

Local authorities are helping farmers and are running this campaign for free and anonymously. Only fertilizer waste is collected: residues of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other harmful substances.

It is important to transport this waste properly. They must be placed in boxes vertically so that nothing spills. Solid and liquid substances must be kept separate. And carry it all in a well-ventilated trunk.

Here is the waste collection schedule for the north of the island (from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):

• 15th - Las Medianías Cooperative (San Juan de la Rambla)
• 22nd - SAT Frutas Doniz (Los Silos)
• 29th - Vistas de Icod Cooperative (Santa Barbara, Icod de los Vinos)

After the south and north, the waste removal campaign will also take place in the metropolitan area.