Alto Hospicio textile waste cleanup remains unresolved despite court order

In Alto Hospicio, Chile, the state has failed to comply with an Environmental Court of Antofagasta ruling that ordered the cleanup of textile landfills. Despite a deadline that expired in March, the executive branch has not submitted a plan to remove textile waste or restore the affected soils.

The accumulation of clothing, tires, and debris in areas such as Pampa Norte and Mollecita has caused fires, toxic gas emissions, pests, and odors since 2012. Environmentalists have requested that the court set a final 30-day deadline, threatening fines for continued non-compliance. Advocates note that unregulated imports contribute to the crisis and that some waste is being burned or dispersed to evade inspection.