The district of **Tornquist**, in the province of **Buenos Aires**, achieved a **historical environmental milestone** with the definitive closure of the **open-air dumps** in **Sierra de la Ventana** and **Saldungaray**.
This accomplishment is complemented by the start-up of the **3R Transfer and Separation Plant**. Geared towards a **modern and sustainable management** of **urban solid waste**.
## Institutional Support and Political Commitment
The official event was led by **Mayor Sergio Bordoni**, alongside provincial authorities such as **Carolina Di Giani**, **Julia Mancini**, and **Florencia Testa**, as well as municipal representatives and residents.
**Subsecretary Testa** highlighted the positive impact of closing the dumpsites on **public health** and the **natural environment**, and called for strengthening **environmental education**.
Bordoni, in turn, expressed gratitude for the work of **Melisa Herrada**, the support of Minister **Daniela Vilar**, and the backing of Governor **Axel Kicillof**, stating, “this historic step is the result of years of work and a firm political decision”.
## 3R Plant: Technology, Inclusion, and Circular Economy
The new plant will allow for **sorting and preparing waste** for final disposal, increasing **processing capacity**. It will be managed by **Cooperative 3R**, founded in **2010** to address the district’s environmental issues.
The project was carried out within the framework of the provincial program **Mi Provincia Recicla**. It provided **state-of-the-art equipment** —such as a **front-end loader**, a **wood chipper**, and a **monitoring system**— in addition to **30 million pesos in funding** to ensure electrical supply.
## End of Dumpsites: Structural Change for the Community
With this measure, Tornquist puts an end to **decades of open-air disposal**, taking a decisive step towards **environmentally safe management**. The aim is to improve **quality of life** and lay the foundation for a **circular model**.
## Impacts of Open-Air Dumps
Uncontrolled dumpsites generate multiple **environmental and health problems**:
– **Pollution**: affecting **soil**, **surface and groundwater**, and **air**.
– **Leachates**: toxic liquids that seep into the ground and can contaminate **drinking water**.
– **Greenhouse Gases (GHG)**: release of **methane** and other gases contributing to **global warming**.
– **Vector Animals**: proliferation of disease-carrying **insects and rodents**.
– **Fires**: burning waste releases **toxic gases** and can cause **forest or urban fires**.
– **Diseases**: prolonged exposure can lead to **neurological disorders**, **malformations**, **infections**, and **cancer**.
## Towards a Circular and Healthy Future
Tornquist’s experience shows that it is possible to **transform waste management** with **adequate infrastructure**, **political will**, and **community participation**.
The closure of dumpsites and the opening of the 3R Plant mark the beginning of a **new phase**, where **circular economy** and **environmental commitment** are the main focus.
*Cover photo: Noticias Tornquist*
