In Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, the interruption of waste collection services over the past week has left streets, sidewalks, and green areas littered with garbage, which was exacerbated by torrential rains. The accumulated trash has been swept into the streets by floodwaters from these severe weather conditions that started on Saturday (7). Local authorities are facing an urgent situation that calls for immediate public cooperation to mitigate the issue while services are not fully operational.

Juliana Ogawa, the Municipal Secretary of Infrastructure and Urban Maintenance, has urged residents to hold onto their household waste until collection resumes and pointed out the importance of separating recyclable materials. She has encouraged the community to take recyclable items to nearby eco-points, assuring them that these facilities are prepared to receive such materials. This approach aims to prevent a larger accumulation of waste at home and mitigate the surrounding environmental impact.

The situation highlights the crucial role of public involvement in maintaining sanitation and cleanliness in urban areas, especially during adverse weather conditions. As the community works towards a resolution, the local government is under pressure to address not just the immediate waste crisis but also the systematic issues that led to the collection stoppage. Ongoing communication and cooperation between residents and city officials will be vital in overcoming this challenge and ensuring public health and safety during this time of difficulty.