The south of Gran Canaria, the epicenter of domestic tourism in the archipelago, faces a growing environmental challenge stemming from waste management. In Maspalomas alone, one of the island's most iconic destinations, more than 20.000 kilos of waste are generated each week, exclusively attributable to domestic tourism—that is, to Canarians.
According to official data on per capita waste generation in the Canary Islands, each resident produces an average of 5,7 kilos of garbage per week. However, the impact of foreign visitors is even greater.
German tourists, who represent 40% of foreign tourism in the region, generate around 6,5 kilos per person per week, while British tourists, with a 35% share, produce around 6 kilos per week.
With an average weekly influx of around 3.700 island tourists, the combined waste totals more than 15.400 kilos between both groups alone, not including other international or domestic visitors. This figure represents a considerable volume that puts pressure on local collection and recycling infrastructure.
The most visible problem is the proliferation of single-use plastics and disposable packaging, which, along with food waste, make up the bulk of tourist waste. Municipal authorities and the Gran Canaria Island Council are promoting awareness campaigns to encourage waste reduction and recycling, as well as increasing the installation of specialized containers in tourist areas.
“It's essential that tourism evolve toward more sustainable models that minimize waste generation and promote the circular economy,” says Ana Morales, an environmental expert at the University of Las Palmas. “Southern Gran Canaria cannot afford to deplete its natural resources, which are the foundation of tourism success.”
The regional government has set a goal of increasing the recycling rate to 50% by 2030 and reducing total waste generation by 20%, goals that can only be achieved with the active collaboration of businesses, residents, and visitors.
