The province of San Luis achieved a significant progress in the **management of empty** [packaging](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/por-que-desaconsejan-reutilizar-la-botella-de-plastico-para-tomar-agua/) **of agrochemicals, reaching** **62,871 kilograms collected in 2024** through 14 collection days and the operation of two Temporary Storage Centers (CATs). This effort, driven by the **Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development** together with the association **CampoLimpio**, represented a **year-on-year growth of 144%**, consolidating the province as a benchmark in the responsible management of **phytosanitary waste**.
According to a special report by **CampoLimpio**, the company **Estin Argentina S.A.** received **15,800 kilograms** of collected drums, while **StarPlastic S.A.** processed **20,464 kilograms**, promoting their reinsertion into the industry under the **circular economy** model.
The collection program not only focuses on collecting packaging, but also on **environmental education and awareness**. Throughout the year, **1,239 students and agricultural sector workers** were trained in the proper management of these wastes. In addition, **58 news articles and 104 social media posts** were shared to raise awareness about the importance of proper handling of empty drums.
*”San Luis articulates continuous actions for environmental education and waste management, which impacts the conservation of natural resources and public health,”* highlighted **Ricardo Weiss**, regional coordinator of CampoLimpio.
## Hazards of improper use of packaging
One of the main challenges facing the campaign is to **prevent the domestic use of empty containers**. In rural communities, it is common for containers to be reused to store water, which poses a **serious risk to human health**.
Despite washing them, containers can retain up to **2% of the original content**, which in a 20-liter drum is equivalent to almost **half a liter of toxic waste**. These residues are considered **hazardous** according to Law 27,279, so their improper management can lead to **environmental pollution and health risks**.
*”Each container must follow a handling protocol that includes washing, perforation, safe transport, and controlled recycling, avoiding their use in products that may come into contact with people or food,”* explained **Aníbal Cattáneo**, Director of Waste Environmental Management.
## Commitment to the future
To strengthen responsible management, the province established **alliances with 19 institutions**, optimizing collection and ensuring that information reaches communities.
San Luis continues to advance towards a **sustainable model**, where the proper management of agricultural waste not only protects the environment but also **enhances public health and promotes responsible agricultural practices**.
## **How to correctly dispose of plastic packaging?**
It is not news that **mismanaged plastic can end up in oceans, rivers, and lands**, causing irreparable damage to the fauna and flora of these spaces. However, the **water pollution**, as inadequate plastic incineration can **release toxic gases and contribute to climate change**, increasing atmospheric pollution.
For this reason, it is essential to learn **how to properly dispose of plastic**, in order to reduce its environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.
When it comes to **PET** (Polyethylene Terephthalate), a very common type of plastic in beverage containers, such as water bottles, soft drinks, and juices, and perhaps the most widely used of all, the **steps to correctly dispose of them** are as follows:
– **Flatten the bottle as much as possible and put the cap back on**.
– **Avoid filling the bottle with organic or inorganic waste, or with waste from other liquids**.
– **Place PET bottles separately in the trash**.
*Source:* State Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development, CampoLimpio.
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