Op donderdag 17 maart 2022 hadden Nederlandse bedrijven de kans om kennis te maken met deze drie winnaars van de "NLforLATAM Challenge afval en circulaire economie".

Dit was een initiatief van het Regional Business Development Team van het ambassadenetwerk van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden in Latijns Amerika.

 

Challenge 1. Chile: Organic waste processing

In 2021, Chile adopted the "National Organic Waste Strategy 2020-2040" (ENRO). The Circular Economy Office (OEC) of the Chilean Ministry of Environment is responsible for its implementation. Chile's organic waste output is approx. 4.3 million tons per year, of which a mere 1% is currently valorized. The OEC aims to process municipal organic waste in urban areas on three levels: 1/ households, e.g. through home (vermi-)composting; 2/ source separated collection and community composting; and 3/ big scale anaerobic digestion and composting. The goal is to maximize organic waste valorization while minimizing waste transport, odours and vector-borne diseases. Currently, the OEC is looking for strategic private sector partners to implement the organic waste strategy.

Challenge 2. Panama: Integrated waste management system with transfer station and efficient logistics

The Don Bosco municipality in Panama (approx. 75.000 inhabitants, located near Panama City) aims to become a model of Integrated Waste Management in Panama. In order to achieve this, the Waste Management Directorate is looking for international private sector partners with expertise and technology in Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM). Specifically, the municipality is looking for expertise in waste characterization, training and awareness building. For improved waste logistics, the municipality will need a waste collection truck for source separated collection plus a waste collection station. Through this project, Dutch providers of expertise and equipment will be able to showcase their solutions for sustainable waste management.

Challenge 3. Colombia: Efficient waste management in the Aburrá Valley

With over 4 million inhabitants, the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (AMVA) is the second biggest urban area in Colombia. The capital is Medellín. In 2016 the region adopted its Integrated Waste Management Plan (PGIRS) 2017-2030. By 2030, 55% of Construction and Demolition waste should be recycled, same as 40% of organic waste. Further targets for 2030 include a waste information system, a transfer station and a new regional landfill (the current landfill "la Pradera", located 57 kms from downtown Medellín, is reaching capacity). AMVA is looking for private sector partner companies which can help upgrade the regional waste management system from an integrated point of view, but also specific expertise and technology in sustainable landfill development, transfer stations and recycling.