Tenerife Launches New Camper Van Facilities to Curb Illegal Dumping
Tenerife has launched new waste management and maintenance facilities for camper vans at the Arona clean point to reduce illegal dumping and support sustainable tourism.
Tenerife is taking a major step toward managing the rise in camper van tourism with the launch of new facilities at the Arona clean point. This project, announced by the island’s Cabildo, follows a long-standing request from camper van users for public sites where they can properly manage waste and perform basic vehicle maintenance.
Coordinated by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, this initiative aims to reduce the environmental damage caused by illegal dumping in natural areas. By providing authorized stations for disposing of wastewater, as well as access to fresh water and electricity, the local government hopes to better manage this growing sector of tourism. This is part of a larger plan to add these services to Tenerife’s existing network of clean points, with the Jagua facility in Santa Cruz set to be the next upgrade.
This move marks a shift in how the island manages camper van travel. By offering free, regulated alternatives, the Cabildo hopes to discourage camping in unauthorized areas and protect Tenerife’s natural landscape. Councilor Blanca Pérez called the expansion a milestone for public services, while Waste Director Alejandro Molowny noted that the new areas are designed to be both safe and easy for users to operate.
The Arona facility is now open with extended hours to accommodate travelers. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, and until 8:00 p.m. for the rest of the week. 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. With this model, the island is finally providing the necessary infrastructure to support this popular form of tourism responsibly.