Tenerife Launches Major Waste Management Upgrade at Arico Environmental Complex

Tenerife is set to overhaul its waste management system with new infrastructure at the Arico Environmental Complex. The Island Council has awarded a 650,000-euro contract for the project, which is expected to take four months to complete. This initiative is part of the island’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, supported by European Next Generation EU funds.

The project is a key part of a broader strategy led by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies to double the number of waste facilities on the island from eight to 16. This expansion follows similar work already underway in Tegueste, Los Rodeos, and San Miguel de Abona. The upgrade is a direct response to an 11% increase in public demand for these services.

The new Arico facility is designed to improve waste logistics. It will feature a two-level layout—an upper platform for dropping off waste and a lower one for removing large volumes—along with a covered area for hazardous materials. The site will also include surveillance, information services, and clear signage to ensure it meets all safety and operational standards.

Once operational, the Arico site will join a network that already serves several municipalities, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Güímar, Adeje, Buenavista del Norte, La Guancha, La Orotava, and Arona. The Island Council is also currently working on seven other locations, including Fasnia, Granadilla, Vilaflor, and Guía de Isora.

The service remains free for the public. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Weekend hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, making it easier for residents to dispose of waste responsibly.