Goals and current status

The goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of the population in Bolivia, through reduction of the environmental pollution by recyclable solid waste, and by the generation of new jobs in the chain of an urban waste management system. Moreover with the effort of the project, the cost of the municipal disposal will decrease.

The project reached in the first two years the following objectives:

• A new national law on the handling of solid waste including recycling is in process.
• A specific municipal regulation about urban waste management was published in La Paz.
• The Foundation for Recycling (FUNDARE) is working in the four biggest cities of Bolivia.
• Private companies as well as municipal authorities are member of FUNDARE.
• The “Ant Program” to collect PET is implemented in about 100 public and private schools.
• The cooperation with waste pickers to improve the collection system is in process.
• Private companies are buying the collected PET from FUNDARE.
• The collecting quote has been increased.