Buenos Aires reduces street waste complaints by 70 percent
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The Buenos Aires city government in Argentina lowered resident complaints about street waste by 70 percent in eight months through a plan combining technology, strict oversight of waste collection companies, and penalties for residents and businesses that violate hygiene rules.
Between January and July of 2026, the number of reported incidents fell from over 65,000 to under 20,000.
The government addressed complaints received through traditional channels, apps like BAX, a 147 hotline, collaborative platforms, and social media, responding to 92 percent of them. The plan also included increased enforcement of existing rules about when and how waste can be put out for collection. A recent study by the Julio Aurelio Aresco consultancy found that 62.4 percent of Buenos Aires residents support stricter monitoring and penalties for those who break waste disposal rules.
Jorge Macri, the city’s Chief of Government, stated the city is working “very aggressively” on the waste issue and residents are beginning to notice the results. The government audits waste collection companies daily, uses cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor operations, and provides training and support to businesses to help them comply with regulations. The city established a rule requiring wet waste to be put out between 7 PM and 9 PM to allow for nighttime collection without disrupting traffic.
