Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is grappling with a mounting rubbish problem, as overflowing bins and piles of rubbish have become a familiar sight in several neighbourhoods of the city attracting rats and swarms of flies.
Residents are turning to social media to express frustration over the lack of timely waste collection, which has led to unsightly accumulations of trash in the streets.
Photographs shared online show rubbish is spilling out of bins and forming heaps around them. In areas such as Toscón Alto, Pedro Hidalgo, and Las Rehoyas, these piles are blocking pavements and sparking widespread discontent.
One resident, María José, shared her frustration on Facebook, posting an image of the overflowing bins in Las Rehoyas and asking, "What’s happening with the waste collection service?"
Similar complaints have emerged from Ciudad del Campo, where resident Rocío highlighted the growing prevalence of such scenes. "Images like this are becoming more common," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), noting that in her area, the rubbish piles are making conditions unbearable for locals.
A Worsening Problem
The problem appears to be escalating, with residents pointing to an increase in the frequency and severity of waste collection delays. Alejandro, another resident, said on Facebook that "this situation is becoming the norm."
The issue reached a peak after the Día de Reyes (6th January), as the aftermath left streets littered with additional rubbish, including toy packaging, large boxes, and wrapping paper, exacerbating the usual levels of waste.
In one striking example, the main streets of El Risco de San Nicolás, a central area near the bustling Triana district and Avenida Primero de Mayo, were left strewn with rubbish bags. Despite efforts by the council to clean up the lower parts of the city following the celebrations, the rubbish in El Risco de San Nicolás and similar areas remained uncollected, leaving residents dismayed.
Public Health Concerns
The sight of rats scurrying through rubbish heaps has further alarmed residents. One image, taken in Avenida Marítima, shows a rat amidst the trash, emphasizing the public health risks posed by the situation.
The spread of pests and the unhygienic conditions have compounded the dissatisfaction, with many demanding immediate action from local authorities.
While the council has acknowledged the challenges posed by increased waste during festive periods, the lack of a comprehensive and timely response has drawn criticism. Neighbourhoods such as Toscón Alto and Las Rehoyas, alongside other affected areas, continue to suffer from the neglect.
