"Waste that can be treated is disposed of in the facilities we have on the white continent. All the trash that cannot be treated here is removed on navy ships as part of their annual missions," Lepe said.

The Chilean contingent arrived in Antarctica aboard the transport ship Aquiles, the icebreaker Viel, the tugboat Lautaro and the ocean patrol vessel Marinero Fuentealba.

Two helicopters assigned to the ships flew on nine expeditions with 178 days of operations.

The main mission "was to support national Antarctic operators and foreign programs, in addition to participating in the Joint Naval Antarctic Patrol and scientific research on Chile's Antarctic platform," Capt. Alvaro Carrasco, commander of the Viel, said.

Ten Safety Tips from the Wasties at McMurdo Station

1. Safety first — It’s just trash.

2. Fire, surprisingly, is the greatest danger in Antarctica. With strong winds and closely arranged buildings, the risk of a fire spreading is high. The resulting loss of shelter in that harsh environment would be devastating.

3. Weather can change very fast with a temperature drop, wind, and loss of visibility from blowing snow or fog.

4. Wear the right clothes, and don’t get wet. Wind chill can be deadly.

5. Frostbite can happen before you know it. Keep your nose and ears covered.

6. Learn to work with your gloves on.

7. Stretch often. You are not as flexible in the cold as in warm weather.

8. Beware of sunburn. Even though the temperature is low, the Sun’s rays are intense, including reflected off the ice. And in summer, the sun shines around the clock.

9. Watch out for rocks to avoid a twisted ankle. Some parts of Antarctica are dry ground, which exposes rock debris.

10. You are in charge of your own safety. Serious medical help is far away.