Waste as a resource: The economic and social impact in Latin America

Abstract

The characterisation of solid waste in the district of Villa El Salvador, Peru, was consolidated as a key strategy for improving environmental management, increasing municipal income and raising the quality of life. By analysing the composition, volume and per capita generation of waste, it was possible to implement more efficient and sustainable plans, including initiatives such as the ‘green bond’, which encouraged recycling through tax benefits. This practice transformed an environmental problem into an opportunity for local development. At the Latin American level, similarities and differences were evident. Cities such as Medellín and Bogotá integrated informal recyclers into the official system, improving their quality of life and increasing the efficiency of waste management. In Brazil, recycling cooperatives operated under public partnership models, generating economic and social benefits. Although Villa El Salvador has not yet reached these levels of formalisation, it has established a solid foundation for moving towards similar models. It was observed that the success of these policies depended on accurate diagnoses, political will and citizen participation. While some countries have robust regulatory frameworks, others face institutional weaknesses that hinder their implementation. Despite these differences, shared challenges opened the door to the exchange of successful experiences. The characterisation of waste in Villa El Salvador demonstrated its potential as a tool for urban and social transformation, setting precedents that can be replicated in other Latin American contexts.