From 1 December, new regulations will take effect for bars, cafés, and restaurants in the bustling areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The City Council, through its Public Services Department, has updated its ordinance on the Management and Cleaning of Public Spaces to include mandatory litter bins on terrace tables. This measure aims to prevent waste dispersion and enhance the environmental sustainability of the city.
The ordinance applies to kiosks, bars, restaurants, and other establishments operating in public spaces. Each table must be equipped with approved waste bins to encourage proper waste disposal. These bins must be:
- Durable and Spill-Proof: Made of robust materials and equipped with lids to contain waste effectively.
- Size-Appropriate: Suitable for the small-scale waste typically generated at terrace tables.
- Aesthetically Aligned: Designed to fit the corporate image of the establishment.
- Accessible: Positioned for easy use by patrons.
Establishment managers are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the bins to ensure proper hygiene and functionality.
Commitment to Sustainability
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasised that this initiative reflects the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents and visitors. “By regulating waste management in public establishments, we are promoting greater collective awareness of the shared responsibility to protect our urban environment,” he said.
Councillor for Strategic Planning, Environmental Sustainability, and Public Services, Carlos Tarife, highlighted that this measure will not only keep the city cleaner but also improve accessibility to recycling points. He added, “This initiative aligns with our vision of creating a sustainable city model where businesses and citizens work together to maintain public spaces that are clean and respectful of the environment.”
Inspection and Enforcement
The new regulations will be enforced primarily in high-traffic tourist areas such as Avenida Marítima, Avenida Anaga, Rambla de Santa Cruz, and the avenues of Asunción and San Sebastián. The City Council has planned an inspection and monitoring programme to ensure compliance.
This measure follows municipal inspections that identified several establishments failing to maintain cleanliness around their terraces, in violation of existing ordinances.
A Cleaner Future
Santa Cruz is taking a proactive step towards a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly city. By aligning with the principles of the circular economy, this initiative aims to balance urban development with ecological responsibility.
