The Local Police have issued 774 sanctions against people in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) for illegally dumping rubbish in public spaces since the establishment of the Mediation and Citizen Coexistence Unit (UMEC) in 2022.
These violations carry fines ranging from €2,001 to €100,000, depending on the severity and impact of the offence.
In 2024 alone, UMEC’s Environmental Group conducted 460 operations focused on monitoring and investigating cases of dumping rubbish. These led to the initiation of 146 police sanctions and the identification of 201 people as alleged offenders, who face significant penalties for violating municipal and state waste management laws.
Crackdown on Environmental Offenders
Josué Íñiguez, the Councillor for Security, Coexistence, and Culture, praised UMEC’s efforts, describing the unit as part of a ‘social police force’ dedicated to improving the city.
“Through their interventions, we are creating a more hospitable city by eradicating actions that cause significant harm to the environment and the general public, such as the illegal dumping of rubbish,” Íñiguez said. He emphasised the ongoing commitment to making Las Palmas a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable city, with a focus on combating climate change.
One of UMEC’s most significant actions in 2024 involved identifying the alleged perpetrator behind the largest recorded case of illegal waste disposal. This incident involved the dumping of 25 tonnes of construction debris across five locations, all within protected rural land, including the Pino Santo Natural Protected Area.
The alleged offender, linked to a business in Tamaraceite where construction work had been carried out, strategically chose remote locations in neighbourhoods such as Ladera Alta, San Lorenzo, Las Mesas, Los Giles, and Tamaraceite to avoid detection.
Specialised Environmental Enforcement
Since UMEC’s creation, the Environmental Group, composed of officers with expertise in environmental enforcement, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city’s natural and urban environments. Their responsibilities include addressing issues such as noise pollution, industrial activities, animal welfare, abandoned vehicles, and illegal dumping.
The Local Police have identified 774 offenders since 2022, thanks to surveillance operations and investigations into illegal dumping. Offenders face steep fines and could potentially face criminal charges under environmental protection laws, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison.
The Local Police collaborate closely with the Municipal Cleaning Service, focusing on areas where waste dumping has increased. The police have expressed gratitude for the “tremendous community collaboration” received through anonymous tip-offs. Citizens can report instances of illegal dumping via WhatsApp at 650 609 397 or email at mediombiente.policia@laspalmasgc.es.
