Reciclo Orgánicos: A Paradigm Shift in the Management of Organic Residues in Chile 

Reciclo Orgánicos is a national program to promote strategies and techniques to change the way that organic waste is managed throughout Chile. Environment and Climate Change Canada funds the program to help countries tackle the challenges of climate change and support their transition to low-carbon economies under the Paris Agreement. Arcadis Canada is managing the program in concert with the Ministry of Environment Chile.

A core objective of Reciclo Orgánicos is to divert organic waste from uncontrolled landfills to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are generated naturally when organic solid waste decomposes. Diverted organic matter can be utilized to produce compost and/or to generate biogas that can be used as a clean source of energy.

Actions being taken through the Reciclo Orgánicos program protect the soil, water bodies, and air quality in Chile and are helping the Chilean government meet its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Policy Framework

The program is supporting the design and development of a National Strategy for the Management of Organic Residues, a first of its kind national approach in Chile. The strategy is expected to build the foundation for the valorization (turning waste into a usable product) of organic residues at the municipal level and the long-term mitigation of GHG emissions from the waste sector.

Monitoring, Reporting and Verification

Reciclo Orgánicos is also developing a robust and transparent mechanism for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of GHGs mitigated in the waste management sector, which will be a key consideration for potential carbon trading markets and mechanisms in the future. This includes a pilot digital MRV project at a landfill gas (LFG) to energy facility equipped with a Blockchain (digital ledger), again the first of its kind in Latin America.

Community Engagement

Another key aspect of the Reciclo Orgánicos program is to educate the public about the benefits of separating organic wastes. The #YoReciclOrganicos campaign, which is active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, encourages the public to learn more and become involved in the program.

Educational Materials

The public can download several types of educational materials from the Reciclo Orgánicos website, including:

• Fact sheets about climate change, GHG emissions, types of waste, and waste management and disposal
• A virtual library
• Infographics
• Booklets that describe sustainable practices

Strategies to Capture and Use Methane

Reciclo Orgánicos is implementing three strategies to mitigate methane emissions from organic waste: anaerobic digestion, composting, and LFG capture.

Learn more about each by clicking on the graphics below.

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