By: Cecilia Vargas and Sergio Zulueta
Knowledge of environmental matters has increased due to the constant exposure to ecological events that allow us to become more aware of the problems that our planet is going through. In this way, there are various actions used to achieve the prevalence of an environment in which harmony with nature prevails Berenguer et al. (2006), including the role of the recycler.
In 2010, Law No. 29419 was enacted, which regulates the activity of recyclers and recognizes their work, defining them as those who are dedicated to the activities of selective collection of material for recycling, segregation, and small-scale marketing of non-hazardous solid waste ( SIAR, 2016). In Peru, around 23,260 tons of municipal solid waste are generated daily, and only 2% (465.2 tons) is recycled, while 62% is dumped into the environment (MINAM, 2022). The role of recyclers is key to the cleanliness and segregation of each locality, region, and country; and remembering that June 1 of each year is National Recycler's Day, below we present a recount of the current situation of formalized recyclers in the country.
Current situation of formalized recyclers in Peru
The formalization of recyclers is important because it allows recyclers to be included as a key part of municipal solid waste management. It also allows insertion in the economic market, which allows them to compete in better conditions with companies and institutions. Likewise, it facilitates alliances to guarantee the sustainability of the development of their productive activity and allows the improvement of working conditions, and this in turn. reflected in the improvement of the quality of life of the recycler and his family (MINAM, 2022).
There are around 176 municipalities that have implemented duly formalized insertion programs for recyclers, facilitating the reuse of technified waste. Thanks to this initiative, each month in our country an average of 947 tons of solid waste is recovered. Within this group, there are 84 organizations of recyclers between 17 and 80 years old, working mainly on the use of hard PET plastics, fill, metal paper, and glass (MINAM, 2022).
And how are the regions doing with the participation of the Formalized Recyclers?
Amazonas: It has 2 organizations in Piedras Blancas de Bagua Grande and Bagua, with a total of 29 people, and with a higher percentage of women.
Ancash: It has 6 organizations in Los Solidarios de Casma, Cordillera Blanca de Huaraz, Recyclers of Huarmey, United Workers Association, Santa Rosa de Lima, and ATRANCH, with independent recyclers, grouping 98 people.
Arequipa: It has 13 organizations such as Recicla Vida, and Nuevo Mundo, eco-efficient, eco-sustainable, and independent recyclers, bringing together 268 people.
Ayacucho: It has 1 organization (Recyclers of the city of Ayacucho) of recyclers, which brings together 63 people.
Cajamarca: It has 3 organizations of recyclers such as Cajamarca Saludable, Recicladores de Jaén and Jaenos de Corazón, with 19 members.
Cusco: It has 2 organizations such as Nuevo Amanecer, San Jerónimo and which bring together 43 people.
Callao: It has 13 organizations of recyclers formalized as ATRIMAC, and LAGRAR SAC, grouping 63 workers.
La Libertad: It has 49 independent recyclers.
Lima: It has 28 formalized associations of recyclers, which are made up of 785 people.
Piura: It has the Association "Los castellanos de Piura", which has 101 members.
Tumbes: It has 1 association of formalized recyclers.
Ucayali: It has 17 independent recyclers.
San Martín: It has 2 associations: Recyclers of the East and We love you clean San Martín, which group 14 people.
Moquegua: It has 12 independent recyclers.
Loreto: 5 independent recyclers work.
Despite the efforts to increase the percentage of formalized recyclers, there is still a high informality, there are many Municipalities that do not comply with Law No. 29419. Another existing problem in our country is the insufficient knowledge of the organizations with the recycling market and the lack of opportunities to connect directly with manufacturing and exporting companies, likewise, with few areas and resources to implement collection centers.
Final thoughts
Thanks to the work of the recyclers, it is possible to enter the waste into the recycling cycle, reducing environmental pollution, improving the quality of life of citizens, generating jobs, and providing savings to the state by reducing costs derived from local management. and investment in public health. The population must be more aware of the important work carried out by recyclers (SIAL, 2016) and their participation can be increased.
The social responsibility that is linked to the role of the recycler allows us to contribute to the reduction of the rates of attacks against the environment. In this way, the action of providing new uses for products such as paper, cardboard, and plastic, among others, allows the interference of synthesized collecting agents in the role of the recycler. Added to the pecuniary compensation.
Finally, the establishment of suitable ecological education will allow us to increase the number of people who start recycling activities. And thus give greater visibility to the development of your commemorative day at the national level.
References
Berenguer, M., Trista, J. J., & Deas, D. (2006). Recycling, the industry of the future. Science on your PC (3), pp. 1 - 8.
Regional Government of Lambayeque (June 1). National Recycler Day. Accessed on May 26, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.regionlambayeque.gob.pe/web/noticia/detalle/33922?pass=MTA2MQ==SIAL
MINAM (2016). The Ministry of the Environment will celebrate the National Recycler's Day at the Voces por el Clima Park. Check May 25, 2022. https://www.minam.gob.pe/perulimpio/2016/05/26/ministerio-del-ambiente-celebrara-el-dia-nacional-del-reciclador-en-el- voices-for-climate-park/#:~:text=%2D%20The%20Ministry%20of%20Environment%20(Minam,and%20its%20families%20to be%C3%A1n%20protagonists.
MINAM (2022). Ministry of the Environment. Segregation at Origin of Solid Waste, and Selective Collection with formalized Recyclers. Accessed on May 24, 2022.
SIAR(2016). National Recycler's Day. Accessed on May 27, 2022. Retrieved from https://siar.regioncajamarca.gob.pe/novedades/dia-nacional-reciclador