Andina

Int'l Recycling Day: Machu Picchu, the first fully sustainable city in LatAm

12:27 | Machu Picchu (Cusco region), May. 17.

The International Recycling Day is celebrated on May 17, and this is a good opportunity to recall that Machu Picchu Town has become the first city in Peru and Latin America to be 100% sustainable, thanks to proper management of almost all its organic and inorganic waste.

Proof of this is the organic waste recovery plant opened on April 5, in the aforementioned jurisdiction.

According to Miguel Atausupa, Machu Picchu Town's environmental management manager, the plant is capable of processing four tons of waste and generate biochar or charcoal —a natural fertilizer that helps intensify land agricultural productivity in the place.

The plant consists of three machines for compacting, dewatering, and pyrolyzing waste generated in the area, which accounts for more than 60% of the total waste produced in this locality.

Deputy Minister Ruiz emphasized that the organic waste recovery plant's start-up was made possible thanks to joint efforts made by the local government, private companies, and civil society which —in the case of Machu Picchu inhabitants— already segregates 90% of its solid waste.

This pioneering experience in the environmental field and with waste management places Machu Picchu at the leading position in Peru and Latin America.

This will serve as a starting point for future plants in other parts of the country, mainly in natural areas protected by the State.

(END) LZD/RMB

Published: 5/17/2019