The deputy spokesperson for the Socialist Gomera Group (ASG) has advocated for a “more balanced and efficient” waste management model for the non-capital islands. This proposal, presented to the Canarian Parliament's Ecological Transition Commission, seeks to reduce reliance on inter-island waste transport and enhance local treatment capabilities in each territory.
“"We are eight completely different islands and could be small laboratories for developing new technologies and strategies in waste management."
It has been highlighted that the archipelagic nature of the Canary Islands necessitates solutions tailored to each island's reality. Concerns were raised about the “serious deficiencies” still present in facilities and resources on the non-capital islands, a situation exacerbated by the impact of tourism and the resulting increase in waste generation. Inter-island waste transfer, when local treatment is not possible, increases costs and the associated carbon footprint.
To advance towards a more efficient system, three fundamental pillars have been proposed: strengthening management capacity on each island, improving waste separation at source, and optimizing necessary transfers. The importance of consolidating separate collection, especially for organic matter, and reinforcing planning and coordination among administrations was also emphasized.
Actions promoted within the framework of the Pircan and the Circular Economy Strategy have been positively assessed, including improvements in environmental complexes, the development of clean points, the acquisition of equipment for classification and valorization, and awareness campaigns. As an example, the El Revolcadero Environmental Complex in La Gomera managed 677 tons of selective collection waste last year. Improvements in El Hierro, Fuerteventura (Zurita complex), and Lanzarote (Zonzamas area) were also noted.
Finally, the essential role of the island councils (cabildos) in the non-capital islands was underscored, as they often provide support and coordination with local municipalities. A request was made for specific information on ongoing actions, their implementation status, and the evolution of waste volume still requiring inter-island transfer, aiming for each island to manage a greater portion of its own waste.
