Lanzarote’s Cabildo, led by Councillor Domingo Cejas, is progressing with significant changes at the Zonzamas Environmental Complex. They aim to mitigate plastic waste, particularly the notorious “sea of plastic” that has plagued the area for years.
Cejas highlighted the history of this issue, noting that complaints about plastic bags and waste escaping from the facility have been prevalent since 2019. “Our archives show this isn’t a new problem,” he stated, emphasising that the current administration is now prioritising resources and planning to tackle long-standing issues.
Since taking office, the Cabildo has dedicated £1.5 million towards a specific waste removal effort at Zonzamas, employing 23 workers. This marks a substantial increase from the previous programme’s budget of £184,000 for similar services. Cejas insisted that the focus now is not just on responding to wind events but on maintaining a continuous clean-up effort.
A recent meeting on July 28 also confirmed plans to increase staff for ongoing internal cleaning tasks at the complex, aiming to address waste prone to being swept outside during operations.
Furthermore, measures are being implemented to improve waste management practices. On May 4, 2026, the Insular Government decided to update Zonzamas’ waste management contract to enhance infrastructure and fire protection systems.
The update includes the construction of new storage areas to properly separate and store various waste types, as well as improved surfaces for vehicle movement and bulky waste treatment. These changes will help protect materials from the wind and reduce the likelihood of lightweight waste dispersing.
Control measures have also been heightened for waste acceptance, ensuring that the facility can reject unsuitable materials. The Cabildo anticipates that increased surveillance and better storage conditions will progressively lower the risk of lightweight waste escaping the site.
In total, over £8.5 million has been channelled into modernising the complex, marking a commitment to sustainable waste management on the island. The new Waste Management Plan is designed to address investment and needs for Lanzarote over the coming years, which includes a composting facility expected to process 4,375 tonnes of organic waste annually.
Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort expressed the urgency of these changes, stating, “Zonzamas has been facing issues for years, but since 2023, we have been investing and transforming the facilities.”
While recognising Lanzarote’s challenging weather conditions, Cejas affirmed progress with enhanced staffing and resources dedicated to cleaning efforts, alongside a strategic plan for long-term waste management solutions.
