Several Caught Dumping Construction Waste, Carabinieri Report

Illegal Dumping Cases Spark Environmental Concerns in Sicily

Authorities in Marsala have reported multiple cases of illegal waste disposal, with several individuals facing charges after being caught dumping construction and other hazardous materials across the countryside. The investigations were carried out by the Carabinieri Forestali of Palermo – Distaccamento di Trapani, who continue to monitor the area for environmental violations.

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Recent Incidents in Marsala

Contrada Matarocco

Two men, aged 48 and 44, were stopped while transporting and dumping hazardous special waste, including wooden fixtures, plastic, and plant debris. Their vehicle was seized, and the waste was later disposed of at the municipal collection center.

Contrada Cardilla

In a separate case, a 60-year-old man was caught unloading around 100 kilograms of mixed debris, ranging from car parts to plastic scraps. Authorities seized the vehicle and arranged for proper disposal of the waste.

Contrada Scacciaiazzo

Perhaps the most serious case involved a 51-year-old man who had transformed an abandoned quarry into an unauthorized landfill. Investigators discovered about 3,000 cubic meters of waste spread across nearly 4,000 square meters, including mattresses, plastic irrigation pipes, sanitary fixtures, glass, and rubble.

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Previous Cases of Illegal Dumping

The August incidents follow another major operation in September 2024, when five people were reported for creating an illegal landfill in Contrada Casazze. Roughly 5 cubic meters of demolition waste were actively being dumped when officers intervened, and investigations revealed another 600 cubic meters of debris already on the land. Both the truck and the site were seized.

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Authorities’ Response

The Carabinieri Forestali emphasized that such environmental crimes not only degrade the landscape but also pose risks to public health. By seizing vehicles and contaminated land, they aim to discourage further violations and protect the environment from long-term damage.

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A Growing Concern

The repeated cases in Marsala highlight an ongoing problem of unauthorized waste disposal in Sicily. With multiple individuals charged in just a few months, authorities are urging residents and contractors to use designated disposal facilities rather than resorting to illegal dumping.

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