Peru's Recycling Crisis: A Nation's Waste, Informal Recyclers' Burden

Peru's Recycling Crisis: A Nation's Waste, Informal Recyclers' Burden. Peru faces a significant waste management challenge. Despite daily waste generation exceeding 23,000 tons, recycling rates remain critically low at just 2.1%. This leaves informal recyclers, often working without proper safety measures, to bear the brunt of the problem. "It's a system sustained by those who are most vulnerable," says a representative from La Republica. The government's regulations mandating waste segregation by citizens, municipalities, and companies are rarely enforced, exacerbating the issue. The video underscores the urgent need for improved municipal programs that include proper waste segregation throughout the country, substantial government support for recyclers through funding and incentives, and the private sector's crucial role in establishing recycling corridors and increasing the use of locally recycled materials. Only through a collective effort can Peru transform its recycling statistics and build a more sustainable future.