CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN WASTE MANAGEMENT: A PERSPECTIVE FOR ANCUD

The obsolete use of landfills as final destination of residues

https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/nacional/region-de-los-lagos/2024/07/13/ancud-renueva-atrabajo-para-traslado-de-basura-a-los-angeles-a- more-than-600-kilometers-of-the-comuna.shtml

Last Saturday, July 13, Ancud renewed an agreement to transport garbage to Los Angeles city (Biobío Region), located more than 600 kilometers away. This fact highlights a significant challenge in waste management that we cannot ignore, for several reasons that directly affect the treatment of household waste.

Final disposal in landfills is one of the main concerns. This method is outdated and has an astronomical environmental impact, starting with the contamination of underground layers by percolates to methane gas (CH4) generation, which contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect.

Another problem is the transportation of waste from Ancud to Los Angeles. This long-distance travel not only entails high operating costs, but also generates a considerable environmental footprint due to the carbon emissions associated with road transport. Considering the financial and environmental costs, it might be more economical to empty the trucks on the street and burn the garbage right there, perhaps even including the truck. This raises serious questions about the sustainability and efficiency of our current practices, which appear outdated and unecological.

As a company committed to sustainable development, we see this situation as an opportunity to propose innovative solutions. It is crucial to explore alternatives that not only optimize waste management, but also reduce our environmental impact.

A promising solution could be to increase investment in recycling and adopt waste recovery and treatment technologies from its origin by implementing advanced segregation and local treatment systems, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that needs to be transported long distances. This would not only reduce costs, but would also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and strengthen Ancud's environmental resilience.

Additionally, it is essential to promote community education and awareness about the importance of recycling and waste reduction. Empowering citizens to adopt sustainable practices not only improves the environment, but also builds a more aware and engaged community.

Addressing these challenges will require close collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as a continued commitment to innovation and sustainability. Together, we can transform these challenges into meaningful opportunities that promote a cleaner and more prosperous future for Ancud and the Isla Grande de Chiloé as a whole.

It is time to act with determination and vision towards positive change. Let's come together to build solutions that make a difference!