Waste Management in Paraguay
Waste Management in Paraguay
Within the capital of Asuncion, Paraguay lays the countries largest waste disposal site called Cateura. The metropolitan area of Asuncion has rapidly grown in urban population and development over the past 40 years, but not in a well-planned manner. As such, this has created environmentally sensitive areas associated with negative impacts such as inadequate storm water drainage systems, and solid waste collection and disposal. This affects the water supply and sanitation infrastructure and services, as well as the livelihood of its inhabitants. This background paper will analyze the environmental risks of waste disposal in Asuncion, Paraguay and how that affects the land as well as the people. An overview will be made on the Cateura Landfill, its residents and workers, initiatives proposed by locals, as well as those made on a global scale. Through research it seems that small but conscious efforts are being made by government and residents of the city to regulate better waste management systems, with assistance of other nations.
In Paraguay, one of the poorest countries and one with highest economic disparities in the Americas, about 40 percent of its 6.3 million people live in relative or extreme poverty. Though it is the fastest-growing country in the Americas, nearly third of its population lives below the poverty line. According to figures from the government’s planning office, the average rate of solid waste production in urban areas across Paraguay in 2002 was about one kilo per person per day. In comparison to the United States in 2002, we produced roughly double. Connected to the Paraguay River, the Cateura landfill now receives over 1,500 tons of solid waste a day, which is 95% of Asuncion’s waste (Recycled Orchestra, n.d.). Poor management of the waste has caused critical pollution to the most important water source in the country and threatens the health of its residents. More than 2,500 families live atop this
Within the capital of Asuncion, Paraguay lays the countries largest waste disposal site called Cateura. The metropolitan area of Asuncion has rapidly grown in urban population and development over the past 40 years, but not in a well-planned manner. As such, this has created environmentally sensitive areas associated with negative impacts such as inadequate storm water drainage systems, and solid waste collection and disposal. This affects the water supply and sanitation infrastructure and services, as well as the livelihood of its inhabitants. This background paper will analyze the environmental risks of waste disposal in Asuncion, Paraguay and how that affects the land as well as the people. An overview will be made on the Cateura Landfill, its residents and workers, initiatives proposed by locals, as well as those made on a global scale. Through research it seems that small but conscious efforts are being made by government and residents of the city to regulate better waste management systems, with assistance of other nations.
In Paraguay, one of the poorest countries and one with highest economic disparities in the Americas, about 40 percent of its 6.3 million people live in relative or extreme poverty. Though it is the fastest-growing country in the Americas, nearly third of its population lives below the poverty line. According to figures from the government’s planning office, the average rate of solid waste production in urban areas across Paraguay in 2002 was about one kilo per person per day. In comparison to the United States in 2002, we produced roughly double. Connected to the Paraguay River, the Cateura landfill now receives over 1,500 tons of solid waste a day, which is 95% of Asuncion’s waste (Recycled Orchestra, n.d.). Poor management of the waste has caused critical pollution to the most important water source in the country and threatens the health of its residents. More than 2,500 families live atop this
References: Children living on landfills hazardous waste landfill. (2008, October 5). YouTube. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_NLJ6DAHFc. : CIUDAD DE ASUNCION: (n.d.). . : CIUDAD DE ASUNCION: Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.mca.gov.py/ Daniels, A. (2008, May 24). Sounds of hope from Paraguay dump. BBC News. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7398383.stm Gilbert, Jonathan. "Paraguayan landfill orchestra makes sweet music from rubbish." the Guardian. N.p., 26 Apr. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. . INTER PRESS SERVICE. (n.d.). IPS – Recycling for hope and dignity on Paraguay’s streets. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.ipsnews.net/2010/11/recycling-for-hope-and-dignity-on-paraguays-streets/ Landfills. Rep. Indiana University, 2003. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. http://www.nrsd.info/student/72110.htm Landfill Harmonic: crafting garbage into musical instruments in Asunción, Paraguay. (2011, December 12). Wired.com. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2012/12/instruments-from-trash/ Landfill recyclers move up in life. (2013, August 19). U.S. Agency for International Development. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.usaid.gov/results-data/success-stories/landfill-recyclers-move-life Towards an eco-economy: The Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. (n.d.). Towards an eco-economy: The Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://mecteam.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-recycled-orchestra-of-paraguay.html