The Operational Emergency Committee (COE) of Guayaquil has been actively addressing public health concerns arising from the accumulation of waste in various parts of the city. Complaints have surged as residents have noted piles of trash lingering, particularly during morning and afternoon hours. In response to these concerns and in light of a recently enforced curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, local waste management company Urvaseo has adjusted its waste collection schedules to comply with government restrictions that were announced weeks earlier.

Despite these adjustments, recent reports indicate that between 10% and 15% of garbage is still not being collected in several city areas, as shared by Álex Anchundia, the manager of Segura EP. Such instances have been prominently reported in neighborhoods across the city, including the central, southern, and northern regions. These ongoing sanitation issues are closely associated with the operational changes that utility companies like Urvaseo are attempting to implement under the new curfew rules.

The situation further highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in managing urban waste, especially amid health crises related to sanitation. The COE's calls for citizens to respect the new collection schedules aim to ensure better compliance and public health outcomes. If waste collection remains inadequate, there could be significant repercussions for the city's hygiene and overall public health, urging a much-needed response from both residents and officials to collaboratively tackle these pressing issues.