Reciclaje en Perú. Entrevista a Sinba y visita a una planta de residuos en Lima

How Recycling Works in Peru

Introduction to Recycling in Peru

• The speaker discusses their experience in Peru, noting the scarcity of recycling containers during their visit.

• They contacted a Lima-based recycling company, Simba, to learn about the recycling process and visit one of its plants.

Simba's Mission and Impact

• Simba was founded with the goal of creating a world without waste, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in this mission.

• In Peru, approximately 30,000 tons of waste are produced daily, with less than 2% being recycled. This highlights a significant crisis in waste management.

Potential for Improvement

• The speaker mentions that 80% of the waste generated is recyclable. With proper funding and education, it is feasible to increase recycling rates from 2% to 80%.

• Achieving this could drastically reduce landfill use and improve environmental conditions.

Overview of the Recycling Plant

• The plant visited is called "Circ," which stands for Inclusive Recovery Center. It processes various types of recyclable materials including organic waste and plastics.

• Waste enters through designated trucks where it is weighed before being processed.

Processing Steps at the Plant

• After weighing, materials are funneled into a conveyor system where an AI camera identifies different types of recyclables.

• This technology helps build a database on recyclable materials in Peru, aiding future public policy development regarding waste management.

Material Sorting and Classification

• Workers manually sort materials after they pass through AI recognition; they specialize in identifying specific types of plastics like PET.

• Different classifications are made based on material type (e.g., chemicals vs. regular plastics), ensuring proper processing for industrial needs.

Final Steps Before Distribution

• Once sorted, materials are compacted into bales ready for collection by industries that will recycle them into new products.

Understanding Plastic Recycling Challenges in Peru

Common Plastics and Their Recyclability

• The discussion begins with the identification of common plastics, particularly PET used for beverages, which is widely recognized but has recycling challenges.

• A specific example is given regarding the packaging of "pollo a la brasa" (grilled chicken), where only part of the container is recyclable, leading to confusion among consumers about what can be recycled.

• Snack wrappers are highlighted as another problematic type of plastic that is not currently recyclable in Peru due to their flexible nature.

• An innovative solution being introduced involves creating plastic wood from non-recyclable materials, allowing for new construction applications while reducing waste.

• The benefits of using plastic wood include preventing deforestation and providing versatile building materials.

Glass Recycling Initiatives

• The first glass recycling hub in Peru is established through collaboration with Owens Illinois, a major global producer of glass containers.

• Despite being 100% recyclable, glass poses logistical challenges for recyclers due to its weight and space requirements compared to lighter plastics.

• Incentives are provided to recyclers through SBAP points to encourage more collection and processing of glass materials.

• The process includes receiving glass at the facility, crushing it for size reduction, and transporting it in specialized trucks for further processing into new products.

• Glass is sorted by color (clear, amber, green), which enhances its recyclability and market value.

Organic Waste Management Solutions

• Organic waste is transformed into animal feed or organic fertilizer (compost), showcasing a dual approach to waste management.

• Careful segregation occurs at the plant to ensure contaminants like utensils do not enter the composting process; any unsuitable items are removed before processing.

• Items that cannot be processed into animal feed are composted instead, contributing back to agricultural practices as fertilizer.

Expanding Services Beyond Restaurants

• Initially focused on restaurants during a culinary boom in Peru, Simba has expanded its services across various industries recognizing widespread needs for organic waste recovery.

• The company now collaborates with diverse sectors including law firms and dairy production facilities emphasizing responsibility towards waste management across all business sizes.

Hogares Sin Basura: A Vision for a Waste-Free World

The Birth of Hogares Sin Basura

• The initiative emerged during the pandemic as people became aware of their waste production while confined at home.

• The service operates in over 22 districts in Lima, collecting organic waste, recyclables, used oil, and eco-bricks on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Service Offerings and Community Engagement

• Households receive new bins for waste segregation and monthly compost bags to utilize their organic waste effectively.

• The ultimate goal is to co-create a world without waste by encouraging more community participation and collaboration rather than competition.

Challenges in Waste Management

• There is significant informality within Peru's waste management industry, with about 70% operating informally.

• Many individuals view waste disposal as someone else's problem, leading to inadequate recycling facilities in Lima.

Societal Attitudes Towards Waste

• In Peru and many Latin American countries, basic needs overshadow the importance of proper waste management.

• There is a lack of sustainable solutions from governments regarding education and resources for effective waste management.

Changing Perspectives on Waste

• A cultural shift is needed to redefine "waste" as "resources" that can be utilized rather than discarded.

• Empathy towards those working in the recycling sector is crucial for fostering change; recognizing their work benefits society and the planet.

Dignifying Recycling Work

• Many recyclers start out due to economic necessity but face discrimination and dangerous conditions.

• Simba aims to dignify the role of recyclers by acknowledging their contributions and providing support through programs like "Sin Barreras."

Support Programs for Recyclers

• The "Sin Barreras" program helps recyclers accumulate points that can be exchanged for safety equipment or professional services such as legal advice.

Inclusivity in Waste Management

Collaboration with Companies

• The discussion highlights the inclusion of companies like Coca-Cola and Tetra Pak, which finance programs to support recycling initiatives. This collaboration aims to enhance the effectiveness of workshops and systems designed for waste management.

• It emphasizes the importance of involving businesses that contribute to resolving global waste crises, showcasing the significant amount of waste generated by large cities such as Lima.

Responsibility Towards Waste

• A quote from founder Andrea Rivera is shared: "The trash teaches us to take responsibility for our actions." This underscores the need for individuals and organizations to recognize their impact on waste generation.

• The speaker stresses that every action has consequences, urging both individuals and companies to acknowledge their role in producing waste, whether at home or in industry settings.

Empowering Choices

• Individuals are encouraged to take charge of what they produce and consume. The message is clear: everyone has the power to make sustainable choices without external imposition.