The issue of illegal dumping in El Camp d’Elx persists and, in some areas, has intensified. Pruning waste, old furniture, flammable products, rubble, batteries, and even construction materials like asbestos cement are accumulating in areas of natural value, such as the hills and pine forests near the La Marina road. This situation continues despite municipal sanctions, existing collection services, and new ordinances that the City Council intends to implement to improve coexistence in rural areas.
A recent survey of various parts of the Elche countryside, particularly around the La Marina, La Hoya, and El Pinet roads, confirms a lack of control. Next to the dumpsters, accumulations of plant waste, construction materials, and furniture are found, which should be managed by specific municipal services. These dumps occur on rural roads, road margins, and natural spaces, creating an image of neglect that contrasts with the area's landscape and environmental value.
Pruning waste is one of the most frequent types of dumping, often piled in large raffia sacks around the dumpsters. This happens despite the availability of a municipal home collection service. The accumulation of this waste not only complicates cleaning and increases municipal management costs but also causes inconvenience and can encourage the presence of insects and rodents. The situation is exacerbated by the appearance of highly resistant sacks, suggesting a conscious decision to deposit waste improperly.
The presence of toxic and flammable products represents one of the most concerning aspects. Large containers warning of their danger have been found abandoned near ordinary dumpsters. These residues, along with paints and batteries, pose an environmental and health risk, especially during hot periods, increasing the risk of fire. Residents express their concern about these hazardous materials remaining for days or weeks.
The volume and type of certain dumps suggest that not all originate from private individuals but could be linked to small renovations or professional activities. Monitoring the numerous rural roads in the Elche municipality is complex, making it difficult to identify offenders. Although fines exist, the processing of sanctioning files often depends on identifying the perpetrator, which is complicated by a lack of witnesses or evidence.
The upcoming Rural Environment Ordinance contemplates fines of up to 100,000 euros to regulate agricultural uses, dumping, and coexistence in the countryside. In parallel, the new Citizen Coexistence Ordinance will unify criteria and sanctions regarding cleaning and the use of public space. The City Council aims with these regulations to organize an extensive territory and ensure the proper use of the rural environment, addressing a problem that dates back decades.
The problem even reaches areas of natural value like the Sierra del Molar, where asbestos cement waste, possibly containing asbestos, has been found along with other construction materials. The abandonment of these materials constitutes an environmental infraction and a health risk. A sense of impunity is widespread among residents, who see dumps being removed only to reappear shortly after, degrading the landscape and natural environment.
