Strict new fines being introduced for littering and dog mess in major clean-up push
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is set to introduce its first city-wide rules on cleanliness and waste management, and the fines for breaking them are steep.
The city council is working on two new documents: a public hygiene law and a waste management plan, both aimed at cleaning up the streets and encouraging better recycling habits.
These will apply to both residents and visitors, and they include significant penalties for even minor offences.
What are the new fines?
- €750 for dropping a cigarette butt on the ground.
- €750 for not picking up your dog’s mess.
- Up to €100,000 for illegally dumping furniture or large items in public spaces.
- Up to €3.5 million for dumping hazardous waste that could harm people or the environment.
The mayor of Las Palmas, Carolina Darias, said the city wants to shift behaviour and attitudes towards cleaner streets and less waste. “Urban hygiene is everyone’s responsibility,” she said, stressing the need for prevention over punishment, but also making it clear that serious fines will be issued for those who ignore the rules.
The new rules are part of a bigger plan to reduce the amount of waste produced in the city and to recycle more, creating a cleaner, greener Las Palmas. The council also aims to use newer technology and equipment to improve rubbish collection and street cleaning.
Public consultation to begin soon
Before the rules come into effect, the proposals will be open to public consultation, allowing people to have their say on how the city should deal with litter and waste in the years ahead.
Héctor Alemán, the councillor in charge of street cleaning, said the plan covers 2025 to 2032 and includes improvements to how rubbish is collected, new vehicles, and better equipment for cleaning crews. Contracts are already being prepared for items like protective uniforms, cleaning products, and replacing part of the waste collection fleet.
The city wants Las Palmas to be not just cleaner, but also more respectful of the environment and public space. Whether you live in the city or are just visiting, it’s important to follow the new rules once they come into force to avoid a costly fine.
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