Arucas Council Proposes Hefty Fine for Illegal Waste Dumping
The Council of Arucas has initiated a sanctioning file and proposed a fine of €30,050 for those responsible for an uncontrolled dumping of debris and hazardous waste, which includes asbestos-containing fibrocement sheets, at various locations throughout the municipality.
This action was made possible thanks to community collaboration, which enabled the identification of the vehicle involved. The illegal waste dumping occurred on 29 July and 4 August 2025 in the Acequia Alta area and at the Pasaje El Abedul (Los Castillos), accumulating approximately 80 sacks.
The proceedings are based on the Municipal Ordinance on Public Cleanliness and Waste Collection, as well as Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy, categorising the offences as very serious infringements.
Public Reminder on Waste Disposal Regulations
The Council has emphasised that the Municipal Ordinance expressly prohibits depositing debris at container points, and the municipality offers the Clean Point of Montaña de Cardones, where residents can safely dispose of up to 15 sacks of such waste each day, free of charge.
Moreover, the Council has stressed that improper handling of asbestos can release dangerous fibres into the air, leading to severe health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Management of this material must be conducted exclusively through authorised handlers.
