After a major fire in November 2023 and under pressure from collective complaints from 38 neighbors for breach of public duty and health damages, the municipality of Capilla del Monte, Córdoba, promised to close its open dump for February 2024.
This landfill, located on the border between Capilla del Monte and Charbonier, continues to operate according to the neighbors’ complaints. The situation especially affects those living within a radius of 3 to 4 kilometers, who describe being in a “health and environmental emergency.”
Lila, a member of the Illegal Dump Closure Assembly, told a local media outlet that they had to evacuate the area to preserve people’s health, especially that of children, as the smoke was unbearable. She also mentioned that the dump not only affects human health but also the air, soil, and water, making this situation even more complex.
Since December 29, the fires in the dump have persisted, worsening the living conditions of the residents.
## Neighborhood complaints and unfulfilled commitments due to the open dump
The 2023 fire mobilized neighborhood groups and assemblies that denounced Mayor Fabricio Díaz for failing to fulfill his duties. Although measures were agreed upon such as closing the site, installing cameras and gates, and controlling the smoke, Lila stated that trucks with waste are still entering the dump, as the gate is not always closed.
Idolina, also from the Assembly, reported that the toxic smoke affected the area for three months, and the recurring fires caused evacuations and severe environmental damage.
## Official interventions and criticisms
Although the municipality presented the GIRSU Plan, designed to modernize waste management under the concept of a circular economy, neighbors criticize its implementation. According to Idolina, this plan does not comply with health standards or guarantees established for landfill workers, nor has the separate collection of waste been implemented.
The site, intended to be a transfer station for recyclable waste, continues to receive unsorted waste. In addition, residents pay an environmental fee whose purpose was to transfer waste to a dump in Cosquín, but the Assembly maintains that this measure is not being fulfilled.
## Authorities’ response
The local Environment Secretary justified the use of the land, declaring it a “sacrifice zone” because it is already contaminated. Meanwhile, the Charbonier communal chief announced legal actions against Capilla del Monte for the health and environmental damage.
These spaces represent a serious threat to the environment and public health. Leachates contaminate water sources, while the biogas emitted by waste decomposition contributes to climate change. Additionally, both spontaneous and intentional fires worsen air toxicity and increase the risk of fires.
Despite official commitments, the Capilla del Monte dump remains a source of pollution and a public health problem. Neighbors insist on a definitive solution and demand political will to end this historical crisis.
## Risks of open landfills
According to the national government, there are at least 5,000 open landfills in Argentina, where solid waste is dumped indiscriminately, without operational control and with few environmental protection measures.
Based on these figures, it is estimated that each municipality in the country has two of these landfills, most of which are considered formal. This means they were designated by local governments to dispose of their garbage.
Due to the lack of necessary measures for proper waste treatment, these sites become sources of contamination, generating leachate from decomposing waste and water contact, and greenhouse gas emissions.
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