Ayolas waste workers question landfill management, cite precarious working conditions

Recyclers working at the municipal landfill in Ayolas, Misiones, have denounced the site's collapse and alleged irregularities in its operation, which they say are jeopardizing their livelihoods. The workers report that the final waste disposal site is oversaturated and that its management is causing significant problems.

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We are very concerned about the situation at the Ayolas municipal landfill. We have tried to talk many times with the Municipality's manager, and they are not able to provide solutions.

Raquelina Eustaquio, president of the Gancheros Commission, expressed deep concern over the situation. She stated that the landfill's manager, Humberto Caballero, from the Ayolas Municipality, repeatedly closes access before 1 p.m., particularly on Saturdays. This practice leaves owners of motortaxis and waste collection trucks stranded outside the premises, unable to unload their waste until Monday.

"We are very concerned about the situation at the Ayolas municipal landfill. We have tried to talk many times with the Municipality's manager, and they are not able to provide solutions," Eustaquio said. The site has reportedly been operating improperly for several days due to saturation, a lack of machinery for rearranging waste, and insufficient fuel.

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the landfill's manager... repeatedly closes access before 1 p.m., particularly on Saturdays.

Adding to the problem, Eustaquio noted that the landfill receives waste not only from Ayolas but also from neighboring districts like San Cosme y Damián, Yabebyry, Corateí, and Panchito López. This influx, she believes, has accelerated the deterioration of the facilities. Workers also report that waste is sometimes burned due to a lack of fuel for the tractor, creating smoke that affects nearby families and drifts across parts of the city, especially on windy days.

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the landfill receives waste not only from Ayolas, but also from neighboring districts like San Cosme y Damián, Yabebyry, Corateí and Panchito López, situation that, according to her, would have accelerated the deterioration of the facilities.

Furthermore, the recyclers' organization has denounced the lack of basic conditions for workers, including access to potable water, proper sanitation facilities for female workers, adequate clothing, and personal protective equipment, all of which are the responsibility of the Ayolas Municipality. Ayolas Mayor Carlos Duarte, however, stated that the closure of the gates complies with a set hour.

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in some cases, the waste would be burned due to a lack of fuel for the tractor used at the site.