In a ravine in the province a has been detected illegal dumping of shredded plastic in the vicinity of the UAL-Anecoop Experimental Farm. The complaint was made public by the Ecologists in Action Almería Federation, which points to an episode that, due to its characteristics, does not fit with a simple carelessness.
The point was located after a citizen alert and the subsequent on-site verification of the coordinates provided. The material stockpile is located in an area of easy access for vehicles and can be viewed on mapping platforms such as Google Maps from March 2025.
Location and nature of the discovery
According to the group, what was found is not the common agricultural remains that sometimes appear in these channels, but plastic that has already been subjected to processes in the industrial chain. We are talking about material that has passed through collection, washing and crushing, that is, an intermediate phase prior to its reuse.
This technical detail is relevant: the federation considers that the state of the waste points to a deliberate action and not due to a fortuitous abandonment. The location, in the bed of a ravine near the UAL-Anecoop, reinforces suspicion from an intentional dumping taking advantage of the accessibility of the enclave.
Environmental and health risks
When exposed to natural environments, fragmented plastic degrades rapidly. microplasticsThese particles can be dispersed by wind and water, infiltrate the soil and travel through the ramblas towards the sea, with effects on flora, fauna and, potentially, human health.
Specialists such as researcher Nicolás Olea have warned that the fragmented plastics in the middle they release harmful substances and can act as vectors of contaminants, so their presence in soils and aquifers represents a chemical and biological risk nothing minor.
- Diffuse pollution by dispersion of particles and additives.
- Affectation of Aquifers and nearby agricultural lands.
- Drag towards the seaside with episodes of microplastics in the sea.
Context: The Ramblas of Almería, a fragile environment
Ecologists in Action recalls that its report 'Black Flags 2025' already pointed out the proliferation of spills in the ramblas of AlmeríaThese channels are fragile ecosystems that function as ecological corridors, aquifer recharge areas and natural evacuation routes to the Mediterranean.
In addition to the environmental damage, the organization highlights the reputational damage to the agricultural sector, where many companies do comply with the regulations. Cases like this, they insist, fuel an unfair image of the entire sector when it comes to isolated but serious practices.
Demands on administrations
The federation demands from the Andalusian Government, the Seprona and the municipalities involved a urgent investigation to identify those responsible for the spill and apply exemplary sanctions that have a real deterrent effect.
They also ask to strengthen the environmental monitoring at sensitive points and increase control over waste management companies. As part of the 'Stop Illegal Dumping' campaign, the group encourages reporting incidents and reminds that the institutional inaction This causes the Ramblas to end up functioning as clandestine dumps.
What is known so far
With the verification of the coordinates and visibility of the point since March 2025, Ecologists in Action maintain that the spill has been months accumulating without anyone having removed it. The composition and appearance of the material, linked to the agroindustry, allow us to rule out the possibility of a spontaneous contribution due to rain.
The organization has forwarded the complaint to the competent authorities and requests that they be open proceedings to clarify the origin, trace the chain of custody of the waste and determine responsibilities, both administrative and, where appropriate, criminal.
The case leaves several emergencies on the table: removing the material as soon as possible, restore the channel affected and establish controls to prevent new episodes in a network of ravines that, due to their ecological function and their connection with the coast, can't take any more pressure of waste.
