by Marni Hills

In 2004, the Dalai Lama consecrated El Charco del Ingenio, our Botanical Garden, as a Peace Zone. These are intended to be spaces free of violence and weapons, dedicated to nature conservation and community development. In addition, El Charco was awarded certification from the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) in 2014, in the category of Area Voluntarily Destined for Conservation (ADVC).

Inside the grounds of the beautiful and serene botanical gardens and protected nature preserve, no one would ever dream of dumping a truckload of construction waste, old televisions and toilets, or thousands of plastic bottles and bags. But shift your gaze just a few meters away to the open fields surrounding the nature preserve, and you’ll find an almost apocalyptic wasteland – heavily polluted by illegal dumping.

Unfortunately, this is a growing problem that seems to be getting worse, probably because there are no apparent consequences to this disgusting practice. This "environmental vandalism" not only detracts from the beauty of the area but poses a threat to the environment and wildlife.

What is being dumped?

The items being dumped range from broken and crushed construction debris like old bricks, flooring, drywall, tile, and concrete, to plastic bottles and buckets containing chemicals, paint, and other hazardous residues, plastic painting tarps, garbage bags, tires, panes of shattered glass, and electronics. The sheer volume of trash being dumped is staggering. It is clear that this is not just a case of a few people littering.

Why is it being dumped?

There are several reasons why people may be dumping their trash in this area. One possibility is that they are trying to avoid paying for proper disposal. Dumping trash in an open field should be illegal, but is it "illegal" in San Miguel? Some people may be willing to take the risk to save money. When contracting workers to build or remodel area homes, are the homeowners paying for the correct disposal of their waste? Are construction companies charging for disposal but keeping the money and dumping up here? Another possibility is that people simply don't know how to properly dispose of certain items. For example, someone may not know where to take an old television or toilet, or how to dispose of hazardous materials safely.

Who is dumping?

It is difficult to say who is responsible for the dumping in this area. It is most often happening under cover of night, and could be individuals, businesses, or even construction companies. Without proper surveillance and monitoring, it is hard to determine who is responsible.

What can be done to start the cleanup?

Residents of San Miguel need to organize a community effort. We need local organizations, government agencies, and concerned citizens to come up with a plan of action. The plan should include things like identifying the trash that needs to be removed and where to take it, finding the vehicles and tools for removing the debris, and recruiting volunteers to help with the cleanup.

It is also important to deter future dumping. This could involve installing cameras, installing fencing or barriers along the sides of the dirt road that cuts through the center of the field (or blocking vehicle access completely), increasing patrols in the area to catch those responsible, and the enforcement of fines or jail time for illegal dumping.

Alternative ideas for disposal of small items

Yes, construction waste dumping is a big problem that requires a big plan, but for smaller items like bottles, cans, and other personal trash items, what about providing large metal drums or other waste receptacles, beginning with placing some in the busy parking lot of El Charco? There are currently ZERO trash bins of any size or type accessible anywhere outside the borders of the preserve. These containers could be fun, informative, and beautiful - what if local muralists and artists painted the receptacles in natural, prehispanic, or local themes? The art could include a QR code for anyone interested to scan and learn more about the artist, visit their website or studio, or buy art available for purchase. These painted cans could drive a lot of business to the artist - as tourist traffic in and out of that parking lot is very heavy. There could even be an annual trash can painting contest featuring a different theme each year.

photo: Cassie Stephens, Nashville, TN
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Spruce Up Alberta Program
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Next steps

Once the cleanup is complete, it is important to keep this area pristine and beautiful. There are many people who walk the pleasant trails through this field with and without dogs, or who run or bike for fitness through this quiet, beautiful area. There is even a group of dedicated neighbors who live in Colonia Balcones that pick up small items like bottles and cans every Monday morning with their own ‘grabber sticks’, but the sheer volume of other trash like construction waste remains an overwhelming issue. Education and building awareness about the problem, and how to properly dispose of waste will also be important.

Ultimately, this problem is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By working together as a community, we can clean up the area and prevent future dumping, ensuring that this beautiful natural space remains a peaceful and enjoyable place for generations to come. Who will step up to start this effort?

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Marni Hills is a well-traveled writer, photographer, and lover of all things weird and unusual. Her obsessions include dogs, animal welfare, travel, fashion, true crime, and mountaineering disasters. She made San Miguel her home in early 2022.

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