# La Paz waste collection and sanitary crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/la-paz-waste-collection-and-sanitary-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-25T21:56:29.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

La Paz has declared a sanitary emergency due to a waste collection crisis caused by a labor dispute between the municipal government and the contractor, La Paz Limpia. The crisis entered its second week as sanitation workers went on strike, demanding salary increases and a review of service tariffs to address rising fuel costs.

Following failed dialogues regarding contract revisions, service levels dropped to approximately 50%. In response, Mayor César Dockweiler activated the Emergency Waste Management Plan (PESA), mobilizing over 4,000 municipal employees, volunteers, and machinery. Despite these efforts, the mayor noted that current measures remain insufficient to manage the total volume of solid waste.

As refuse accumulates in streets, commercial areas, and near hospitals, health experts from the Institute of Diagnostic and Health Research Laboratory Services (Seladis) have warned of significant public health risks. The decomposing organic matter and foul odors pose threats of typhoid fever, gastroenteritis, and E. coli infections through contact or the inhalation of aerosols. Furthermore, the buildup threatens to contaminate groundwater and block drainage systems during rainfall.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: La Paz faces waste accumulation during sanitation strike

A two-week sanitation strike in La Paz, Bolivia, has led to massive waste accumulation, prompting emergency municipal response efforts to manage public health risks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-paz-faces-waste-accumulation-during-sanitation-strike

### 2026-08-20: La Paz faces health risks from accumulated street waste

A 10-day waste collection dispute in La Paz has left streets covered in refuse, raising risks of typhoid fever, gastroenteritis, and E. coli infections among the population.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-paz-faces-health-risks-from-accumulated-street-waste

### 2026-08-18: La Paz declares sanitary emergency amid waste collection crisis

La Paz has declared a sanitary emergency due to a waste collection crisis following a strike by La Paz Limpia workers. The city has activated an emergency plan to manage refuse accumulation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-paz-faces-sanitary-crisis-amid-waste-collection-breakdown

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Cite as: La Paz waste collection and sanitary crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/la-paz-waste-collection-and-sanitary-crisis