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Aftermath: Celebrations leave 80 tons of trash in Parque O'Higgins

The waste was removed by municipal cleaning personnel and workers of Santiago, who also required the assistance of private trash collection companies.

22 de Septiembre de 2008 | 14:32 | El Mercurio Online

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SANTIAGO.- As is with every year, the extensive national festivities surrounding the September 18th  holiday have had a positive effect on the bank accounts of merchants, but not on those working for the municipal cleaning services, who are now working to tidy up the mess left in the streets following the celebrations.


This morning, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ana Lya Uriarte, arrived at Parque O'Higgins –one of the main points of celebration- to oversee cleaning efforts, estimating that there were some 80 tons of trash located in the area.


According to Radio Cooperativa, Lya Uriarte stated that "within the municipality, there are an estimated 15 tons of garbage created per day when the fondas are in operation".  Considering the figure as a reference point, "we are talking about almost 80 tons of garbage throughout these days, or perhaps more", she asserted.


The minister also indicated that the amount of waste left behind at the facilities of the historical park is an issue that originates from a serious cultural problem, having to do with the fact that cleanliness at celebration sites is not highly valued by visitors.


Workers belonging to the Municipality of Santiago are currently in charge of cleaning the park, where the majority of trash is comprised of glass and plastic bottles, disposable cups and cardboard.

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