Mini-Open Dumps in the Paraná River Floodplain: Local Problems with Global Effects

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Waste Management

Background:

• Urban solid waste generation is a global challenge.
• Mini-open dumps (MOD) are a significant issue in urban and peri-urban areas, particularly along riverbanks.
• The Paraná River's Santa Fe River channel experiences notable MOD proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize mini-open dumps (MOD) along the Santa Fe River during a drought period.
• To assess the environmental impact and contributing factors of MOD proliferation.
• To evaluate waste management practices and policy failures.

Main Methods:

• Field sampling campaigns conducted from June to December 2021.
• Geolocation, measurement, description, and classification of identified MODs.
• Analysis of MOD composition, proximity to sensitive areas, and waste reduction methods.

Main Results:

• MODs were abundant along the Santa Fe River, primarily containing domestic waste, with plastics being the dominant material.
• Burning was a common practice to reduce MOD volume.
• Proximity to the river and sensitive locations (homes, schools) indicated significant environmental risk.

Conclusions:

• The proliferation of MOD is a serious environmental issue linked to inadequate waste management.
• Contributing factors include failures in public policy and a deficit in environmental education.
• Urgent interventions are needed to address urban solid waste challenges.