Around 20 municipalities of the Metropolitan Region participated in the first Tierra Común meeting, convened by Local Compost and the Municipality of Las Condes. The premise was clear: “the territory is one”. The event brought together communes such as Vitacura, La Reina, Providencia, Colina, Ñuñoa, Renca, Puente Alto, and Santo Domingo, among others, to collaboratively address the challenges of organic waste management.
Magnitude of the challenge
In the Metropolitan Region, almost 3 million tons of waste are generated annually, of which 58% corresponds to organic matter. To treat them correctly, about 40 industrial plants would be required.
In light of this scenario, local initiatives such as the residential program of Las Condes were highlighted, which in its first year revalued more than 2,000 tons of organic waste, benefiting 66,000 residents and reducing emissions equivalent to planting 6,000 trees.
Clear rules and cultural change
One of the central points was the need for clear regulatory instruments that allow these programs to scale beyond the political will of each municipality.
- Carolina Rivera (Armony): “To sustain a program of this magnitude, we need clear rules and an institutional framework that accompanies the speed of response in the territory”.
- Ricardo Scaff (Las Condes): “We cannot compete between communes. This is a national and global problem that we must address together”.
- Gianni Sichel (Local Compost): “Advancing in differentiated collection does not mean saturating the streets with more trucks, but redirecting resources towards a more integrated and efficient management”.
The panel concluded that success depends as much on infrastructure and operation as on a profound cultural change regarding the value of environmental work in cities.
Key functions of organic waste
Proper management of organic waste allows:
- Emission reduction: decreases greenhouse gases.
- Nutrient revaluation: generates compost and biofertilizers for agricultural soils.
- Flood prevention: by preventing waste from saturating drainage systems.
- Circular economy: promotes green jobs and new value chains.
Final balance of the meeting
The meeting concluded with a broad call to strengthen collaboration between municipalities, the private sector, and citizens.
The goal is to move towards a more efficient, coordinated, and sustainable territorial management that allows transforming organic waste into resources and reducing the environmental impact of cities.
