The island of Fuerteventura, through its Waste Department, has taken a significant step in improving its recycling infrastructure by acquiring 470 new side-loading containers aimed at boosting selective collection throughout the island.
This initiative, representing a total investment of €709,227.20, was made possible by Next Generation funds. These European funds were channeled through the Tourism Department of the Government of the Canary Islands.
The acquired units will be equally divided: half will be allocated to the collection of light packaging and the other half to paper and cardboard. The integration of these new containers into the island's network will occur progressively, coinciding with the launch of the new selective collection service contract, which is currently being processed.
Enrique Pérez, the Waste Councillor, highlighted the importance of this investment: «This investment will allow us to continue improving Fuerteventura's selective collection network and offer a more efficient service to citizens». Pérez added that «the incorporation of these new containers will be done progressively along with the new contract, which also includes a reinforcement of material resources to respond to population growth and selective collection on the island».
With this acquisition, the island's selective collection capacity will see a notable increase. The side-loading container network will grow from the current over 1,300 units to nearly 1,800 units, representing an increase of over 35%.
Furthermore, the new selective collection contract will include the addition of two new side-loading trucks. These vehicles will enable the expansion of the service and optimize collection routes across all municipalities of Fuerteventura.
Fuerteventura is consolidating its position as a leader in recycling increase within the archipelago, having registered the highest growth in the collection of light packaging and paper-cardboard in recent years.
Regarding glass collection, Fuerteventura also leads the Canary Islands, demonstrating a consistent growth trend. This success is attributed to the fruitful collaboration between public administrations and citizens.
Enrique Pérez emphasized «the commitment of citizens to recycling», stating that «the positive results Fuerteventura is achieving are possible thanks to the involvement of its residents. From the administration, we continue to provide the necessary means, but it is they who make it possible for selective collection to keep growing and for us to move towards an increasingly sustainable island model».
