San Luis: for the first time, waste separation in a prison

For the first time in the province, waste will be separated in a local prison. The program initially covers the penitentiary facility located in La Botija, Ayacucho department.

It is part of the comprehensive Solid Urban Waste (RSU) treatment system implemented by the government.

“The proposal promotes a new dynamic in which inmates will properly separate their RSU, contributing to a sustainable prison model and promoting the circular economy,” they stated.

Waste separation in a prison: the program

Following this goal, San Luis will expand spaces to optimize waste management in the province’s penitentiary units.

This will be done by implementing a sustainable scheme based on source separation and composting. The first step will be taken in Pampa de Las Salinas, where a comprehensive waste treatment system will be implemented.

“The program represents a transformation model that could be replicated in other prisons in the country, contributing not only to environmental preservation but also to social reintegration through the learning of new sustainable work practices,” explained Aníbal Cattáneo, Director of Waste Environmental Management.

“We are changing paradigms. We are transitioning to a circular economy model within a penitentiary institution; it is an unprecedented advance that positions San Luis as a leader in responsible waste management,” he added.

The meeting to coordinate actions was attended by Karina Mantelli, Director of the Pama de las Salinas Penitentiary Service, Subprefect Pedro Javier Tejerina Castellino, Director of Waste Environmental Management Aníbal Cattáneo, and Alfredo Vadillo, Head of the La Jarilla plant in Quines.

Project pillars

The project is developed on three fundamental pillars:

• Composting of wet waste: organic waste is used to produce compost, contributing to waste reduction and improving soils for agricultural and animal breeding activities within the institution.
• Separation of dry waste: materials such as cardboard, plastic, and cans are classified for periodic removal by the La Jarilla Treatment Plant, enabling their recovery and recycling.
• Environmental training and awareness: both prison staff and volunteer inmates receive training on the importance of proper waste management, promoting commitment to sustainable work practices and environmental respect.

Logistics

According to authorities, the internal operation includes the installation of specific containers in each pavilion to facilitate waste separation at the source.

Dry waste will be accumulated in designated bags for biweekly removal, while wet waste will be used to feed the composters, also utilizing resources for animal feeding in the institution.

“This strategy not only improves waste management but also fosters environmental responsibility and the acquisition of skills that can be utilized in their social reintegration process,” they stated.

“The commitment to sustainability in the prison environment emerges as an example to follow, where internal transformation translates into tangible benefits for the community and the environment,” they concluded.

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