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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Textile waste accumulation in Atacama Desert

Overview

The Atacama Desert in Chile is experiencing a massive accumulation of textile waste, with piles of discarded clothing reaching approximately 39,000 to 60,000 tons. This waste, which is visible from space, is largely composed of garments arriving via the port of Iquique from Europe, Asia, and the United States. While these items are intended for resale throughout Latin America via tax-free zones, unsold goods or smuggled items are frequently abandoned in the desert.

Investigations have identified labels from major global brands such as H&M, Adidas, Levi’s, Zara, Nike, and Hugo Boss within the waste. Environmental and health concerns are mounting because the synthetic, chemically treated fabrics can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. Furthermore, the clandestine burning of these garments has led to toxic fires, posing significant risks to the local environment.

Entities

Iquique · Atacama Desert · Ek NGO · Chile · Alto Hospicio

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Atacama Desert faces massive textile waste crisis

    A massive textile landfill containing 60,000 tons of discarded global brand clothing is visible from space in Chile's Atacama Desert, causing significant environmental and health risks.

  2. 5 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Atacama Desert faces massive accumulation of textile waste

    A massive mountain of 39,000 tons of discarded clothing has formed in Chile's Atacama Desert, visible from space, highlighting the environmental crisis caused by global textile waste.

Sources

derf.com.ar · extra.com.co · kbc.hr · tiemposur.com.ar