There is no doubt that waste dumped in landfills and sanitary landfills is one of the most concerning environmental issues of recent times, both due to the amount of garbage generated per day and the pollution of soil, water, and air they produce. In this sense, the province of Misiones decided to undertake an initiative that proposes turning a global problem into local solutions. This is what happens with Eldorado and its circular model.
By the end of 2023, this town faced a serious waste management problem, as more than 15 tons of household solid waste were generated annually, which ended up in the landfill.
Faced with this situation, the Provincial Environment Secretariat decided to design an integrated waste management with the aim of transforming waste into resources that guarantee a more sustainable future.
By 2024, the Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Plan was launched. The objective of this plan is to focus on the waste streams generated in the city considering three fundamental pillars: reduction, valorization, and treatment.
Eldorado and its circular model. Photo: Primera Edición.
What do each of these Eldorado pillars consist of?
The first pillar, that of reduction, consists of raising awareness about waste production in the community, starting with schools. To achieve this, they carried out the local contest “Recycling in Schools”, where 12 secondary institutions collected a total of 8,925 kilos of recycled materials, such as plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper, among others.
Then there is the second pillar: separate collection and valorization of waste. In order to achieve this point, the secretariat inaugurated different Ecopoints in the city. These places are strategic spaces for the voluntary delivery of recyclable materials. Such was the importance and success of these spaces that just one of them collected about 9,000 kilos of plastic, metal, paper, glass, textiles, cardboard, and Tetra Pak.
Finally, responsible final disposal. This step is carried out thanks to the ordering and sanitation program to direct and control the reception of non-domestic waste, such as scrap, rubble, and used tires in an operational area that was reduced from the initial 12 hectares to less than one hectare. This process is carried out under strict control, which allowed the recovery of about 62,000 kilos of valuable materials, managed by informal recyclers.
Eldorado implemented a novel waste management plan. Photo: Primera Edición.
How to manage solid waste from home?
To efficiently manage solid waste at home, it is recommended to separate the waste into organic (food scraps, etc.), recyclable (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc.), and non-recyclable waste. It is important to clean and dry recyclables before storing them to avoid odors and contaminations. In addition, practices such as composting for organics and reusing objects can be implemented to reduce the amount of garbage.
Steps for managing solid waste at home:
- Separation: Identify the different types of waste you generate: organic, recyclable (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metals), and non-recyclable, use separate containers or different bags for each type of waste, and clean and dry recyclable materials before storing them.
- Reduction and Reuse: Consider reusing objects instead of disposing of them, such as plastic containers, clothing, or furniture, reduce the consumption of disposable products and opt for reusable or rechargeable alternatives, buy in bulk, and avoid products with excessive packaging.
- Recycling: Take recyclables to recycling points or appropriate containers. If you do not have access to recycling points, look for local collection programs or companies dedicated to waste collection.
- Composting: If you have space for a garden or orchard, you can compost organic waste to obtain natural fertilizer. If there is no space, you can look for community composting programs or community gardens that accept donations of organic waste.
- Non-recyclable waste: Deposit non-recyclable waste in the corresponding containers, following the instructions of your locality. It is important to consider that some special or bulky waste may require different treatment or final disposal, so it is important to inquire with your municipality.
Among the benefits of good solid waste management are the reduction of environmental pollution, preservation of natural resources, energy and water savings, and the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment.
Source: Primera Edición.
