STEP 3 (cont): Reuse and Recycling Alternatives

The Life Cycle of Recyclable Material in Perú:

Recycling is a great way to decrease the waste stream in the community. It is also a good way to generate income and turn a once valueless object, trash, into something of value so people may think twice about throwing that plastic bottle in the local river/irrigation ditch/street. Informal networks of recyling are already set up in many parts of Peru. The main points to evaluate when considering a recycling program are the:

• financial aspects (is a recycling program economically feasible? See the market study below)
• organizational aspects (who will be in charge of the program? where are the targeted sources? how long will the program operate?)
• educational aspects (how will you encourage participation? See STEP 4: Educational Outreach for some tips)
• logistical aspects (is there a secure area to store the material? who will buy the recyclable material? how will it be transported?)

Here is a simple feasibility study to figure out is a recycling program is an economically viable option in the community:

Market Study for Recyclable Material and Compost in the Community:

*From the Guía Técnica para la Formulación e Implementación de Planes de Minimización y Reaprovechamiento de Residuos Sólidos en el Nivel Municipal, CONAM Pg. 33

If a recycling program isn't economically viable on a community-wide level, try working with community groups or institutions that are already organized (schools are great, as are mother's clubs and youth groups). A specific program working directly with one group will drastically cut down on expenses (educational campaigns, transport, etc) and be much easier to plan and organize. These types of targeted programs are also more likely to be sustainable because there is a smaller group of people direcly benefiting from the recycling program.



Other Points to consider:

• Does an informal recycling sector exist in the community/district? If so, what would be the implications of creating a more formalized recycling system? Is it possible to work through these informal recyclers?


• Are there accessible local markets for recyclable products (informal or formal)


• Are there fluctuating local prices for recyclable products? Do prices differ substantially between local buyers?

Reuse of Organic Waste: Composting/Vermiculture (see APPENDIX G for more details)

Other points to consider:
· Quantity and quality of organic material available
· Willingness of community leaders and community members to separate their organic waste
· Appropriate location and size of the composting area (does the area have a fence?)
· Access to water