Córdoba: million-dollar fines will be imposed for dirty lots and burning of waste

The Deliberative Council of Córdoba approved an amendment to the Citizen Coexistence Code that significantly increases penalties for environmental violations. The measure applies to those who create micro or macro illegal dumps, burn waste without control, or keep vacant lots in inadequate conditions. The most severe fines fall on companies and large generators.

Among the violations considered, leaving a vacant lot or an unoccupied property dirty may cost between $525,200 and $2,100,800. If the property is larger than 3,000 square meters (32,292.7 square feet), the fine may reach $21,008,000. Meanwhile, dumping tires or waste in watercourses or public spaces will also be penalized with similar amounts.

Burning leaves, pruning debris, or other waste without taking sufficient precautions will carry the same penalty as for a neglected lot. On the other hand, those who manage urban solid waste and do not comply with local regulations may be fined up to $21,008,000. In turn, Large Generators who fail to comply with the Management Plan will be sanctioned with amounts ranging from $1,050,000 to $42,000,000.

Environmental fund and destination of penalties

The new fine scheme was approved along with the creation of an Environmental Recovery and Dump Remediation Fund. Resources collected through penalties will be allocated exclusively to this fund. The objective is to finance cleaning and improvement tasks in areas affected by waste accumulation.

This measure is integrated with other oversight actions that the Municipality has already been carrying out in different neighborhoods. The authorities seek to limit the proliferation of informal dumps and strengthen compliance with current regulations. In this regard, the Council aimed to hold both citizens and companies accountable for improper waste management.

"Fines have been updated to reflect the seriousness of these behaviors and their consequences," stated the legislative body. The new amounts will be applied once the ordinance comes into effect and the amounts are published in the Official Gazette. The municipality announced joint operations with Civil Defense and Environment to control irregular practices.