The packaging area of the Insular Waste Plant of Tenerife (PIRS), located in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife, has been non-operational since last Sunday, according to worker sources, resulting in significant accumulation of waste. This situation adds to the criticism from the Socialist opposition regarding the management of this area, which they deem to be in its worst phase under the current island government.

Ongoing Issues

The problems that arose on Sunday have yet to be resolved, although sources suggest that a resolution may come this Thursday. However, the situation is considered serious, raising concerns about potential repetition in the future. Canarias Ahora requested a statement from the government on Wednesday morning, but so far, this has been unsuccessful.

Political Context

This halt at the packaging plant occurs in the context of growing concern and criticism from the PSOE regarding the management of waste on the island during the current term. They have labelled 2024 as the “worst” year for waste management in the last 40 years due to a lower recovery rate and an increased number of tons being buried. However, the socialists fear that the situation may worsen in 2025, particularly highlighting the state of the Arico plant and the “failure” concerning three out of the eight planned new eco-points, which either received no bids or saw awarded companies withdraw, necessitating new calls for proposals.

Critical Management Assessment

For the PSOE, this latest paralysis confirms that waste management in Tenerife is “at a critical juncture, marked by contractual breaches, failed tenders, and unfulfilled promises regarding key waste treatment and recycling projects.”

Focus on Arico Environmental Complex

Particularly under scrutiny is the Arico environmental complex, responsible for processing unsorted waste and recovering recyclable materials like cardboard, packaging, and metals. The socialists claim it is failing to meet the minimum recovery rates established in the 2022 contract, leading to an increased volume of waste sent directly to landfill, rising costs for the Cabildo, and potential legal and financial repercussions due to non-compliance.

Issues with Eco-Points

Regarding the eco-points, the PSOE reminds that these are “projects inherited from the Socialist and Ciudadanos governments that are backed by European funds, but whose execution is currently stalled. During the previous term, plans were drafted and approved to build eight new eco-points, aiming to double the number from eight to sixteen. Additionally, negotiations with the Canary Government secured over 5 million euros in European funding for these initiatives.”

Disappointment over Announcements

Furthermore, the socialists criticise the “fanfare” surrounding numerous announced projects in this area, which ultimately lead to little or contrast sharply with the current poor state of recycling and waste management.