Residents intercept waste trucks in Sapallanga, Peru

Residents of the Castilla neighborhood in the Sapallanga district intercepted five waste compactors belonging to the Chilca District Municipality during the midnight hours. The community detained the vehicles and transported the drivers to a police station, suspecting an attempt to illegally dump solid waste near the municipal landfill.

Authorities are investigating the intended destination of the waste and who coordinated the movement. Preliminary reports suggest drivers claimed they were contacted by representatives from certain neighborhoods to head to the area, where they would receive further instructions.

The Mayor of Sapallanga, Miguel Paitán, expressed surprise at the presence of the units, noting they did not enter the municipal landfill grounds but remained in nearby areas. Paitán previously discussed a waste management agreement with the Mayor of Chilca, César Damas, but noted that talks had not progressed. Officials have not yet confirmed if the trucks were heading toward the Huayucachi district landfill.