The local government in Altea is currently processing a total of 17 penalty files during the month of June for alleged violations of waste regulations. This action is part of a surveillance and control campaign aimed at combating illegal dumping, the abandonment of bulky items, and the improper management of waste on public roads and in unauthorised spaces.
Law 7/2022, of 8th April, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy, governs these legal proceedings. This law establishes the applicable sanctions for such behaviour, classifying offences as very serious, serious, or minor. It also outlines fines reaching up to 2,000 euro for minor infractions and ranging from 2,001 euro to 100,000 euro for serious violations.
The local council has issued a reminder that uncontrolled dumping is an offence that damages both the environment and the image of the municipality. Consequently, the Altea Local Police will intensify surveillance efforts and process the corresponding administrative sanctions.
Over recent weeks, enforcement actions have been concentrated in specific areas identified as particularly sensitive to the accumulation of abandoned waste. The locations experiencing the highest number of incidents include El Paradiso, Montemolar, Quintanes, Mimosas, Camí Fondo, and the Carretera de Callosa. Uncontrolled dumping and uncivil behaviour regarding abandoned waste have been frequently detected across these enclaves.
These interventions have been made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Local Police, municipal services, and the local public cleaning company, La Pública. Surveillance at these problematic locations has been strengthened by a visible police presence alongside an expanded security camera network. This combined deployment improves the detection of offences, aids in identifying those allegedly responsible, and allows for much faster responses to such activities.
Deo Sánchez, the councillor for public safety, stated that the fight against illegal dumping is a priority. He noted that every piece of waste abandoned on public streets or in natural environments generates an economic, environmental, and social cost that ultimately has to be paid for by all citizens.
However, the councillor Aurora Serrat warned that the capacity of public services cannot be overwhelmed by uncivil behaviour. She highlighted that the constant appearance of new dumping sites makes it impossible to cover every single point across the municipal area immediately.
To ensure the correct disposal of waste, residents have access to several municipal resources. These include the Clean Point (Punto Limpio) located at the facilities of La Pública in Cap Blanch, the mobile ecopark provided by the Mare Consortium on Camí del Algar, and specific municipal collection services set up for targeted types of waste.
