The Rural Agents processed 2,633 complaints for waste dumping in natural areas in Catalonia, including 306 for abandoned vehicles. The majority of the files correspond to urban solid waste, debris from small construction works, plant remains, and industrial or special materials deposited without authorization.
The volume of complaints also includes 449 cases detected in areas of natural interest, a figure that concentrates part of the pressure on the most protected zones. Here lies the main contradiction of the report, because the dumping not only affects roads or degraded areas, but also environments that should have a higher level of protection.
Domestic waste accounted for 1,247 complaints in natural areas
Urban solid waste amounted to 1,247 complaints, mainly linked to the abandonment of domestic garbage and appliances. This group was the largest within the actions processed by the Rural Agents.
There are also 405 complaints for dumping debris from minor works. In most of these cases, the files are related to small renovations where the generated waste was not managed properly.
Along with these materials, the agents reported the presence of plant remains, out-of-use vehicles, and industrial or special waste abandoned without authorization. The report states that 306 complaints correspond to abandoned vehicles in natural areas.
Areas of natural interest registered 449 reported dumpings
Sources from the Departament d'Interior place the number of complaints for dumping in areas of natural interest at 449. This data adds pressure on particularly sensitive areas, where the impact is not limited to the accumulation of waste.
The Rural Agents maintain that this is "a persistent problem that causes serious impacts on the environment, the landscape, and public health." This statement accompanies a report that includes everything from domestic waste to debris and special waste.
In addition to removal and sanctioning procedures, Interior links these 449 cases to the need to reinforce surveillance, prevention, and citizen awareness in the most vulnerable environments. The official report sets the total processed in Catalonia at 2,633 complaints for waste dumping in natural areas.