[Free report]: Solid Waste Managementby Kevin Lopez | 29-12-2020 14:27 |
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In Peru, 75% of the inhabitants live in cities and every day, each Peruvian citizen generates more than half a kilo of garbage. This trend has been increasing since 10 years ago we produced 5,000 less tons of garbage per day nationwide. The problem, in addition to the excessive generation of garbage, lies in the fact that these wastes are not properly disposed of, generating dirty cities, streets, rivers, beaches and streams [1]. This reality is not indifferent to rural areas. Due to the remoteness of many populated centers, solid waste management is even more critical. Unlike cities, in the countryside, garbage collection trucks are rustic and only pass once a week collecting waste. On the other hand, the destination of this waste is usually the slopes of mountains, rivers or areas with poor technology for their proper management. Therefore, thanks to the initiative of the Peace Corps, in alliance with the National Service of Protected Natural Areas, in particular with the Cordillera de Colán National Sanctuary, we are working on improving solid waste management in the José Olaya Population Center. As part of the activities carried out, we visited a solid waste segregation plant located in the city of Bagua, half an hour from the José Olaya town center. This is the only plant of its kind in the entire Amazon region. During the visit, we were able to learn how the plant works to make compost using enzymes, beneficial fungi and yeasts. In addition, the destination of non-recyclable waste, which is compacted in large pits lined with geomembrane to reduce pollution. Unfortunately, we are still far from being able to raise awareness and reduce solid waste production. Globally, more than 2,100 million tons of waste are produced per year and only 16% of this garbage is recycled [2]. There are many alternatives to face the problem in Peru. However, many of them must be implemented in the long term, they must have the support of regulations that regulate at the national level and technological innovation, technical assistance and training are necessary at the decentralized level. Meanwhile, environmental education and public awareness is our best ally. References: [1] https://bit.ly/34RCwp5 [2] https://bbc.in/2KWSvep Photos: [1] Participants of the visit to the Bagua Solid Waste Plant [2] Explanation on the operation of the Solid Waste Plant |
