HOUSEHOLD WASTE

• Proposed landfills are required to clear an Environmental Impact Assessment Review since 1996.
• Solid waste treatment and disposal have improved dramatically as a result.
• In 2005 Chile enacted a comprehensive National Solid Waste Policy designed to address waste management and disposal issues in a coordinated fashion.
• Chile is committed to continued waste management improvement through strong waste reduction and recycling programs.

RESULTS

• Nationwide landfill disposal of solid household waste rose from 13 percent in 1996 to 50 percent in 2002.
• From 60 to 70 percent of all household waste nationwide is now disposed of in landfill sites.
• In Santiago, all household waste is disposed in landfill sites since 2003.
• Chile recycles about 10 percent of overall solid waste (i.e., paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, plastic).

OUTLOOK

Waste reduction programs are expected to bring nationwide household waste recycling to 20 percent. This is of major significance, considering that household waste is expected to stand at some 3.2 million tons by the year 2010.