Chile targets 40% recycling rate through new circular economy agenda

Chile is working toward new environmental goals as part of its National Environmental Day. The Ministry of the Environment recently introduced REgenera Chile, a National Circular Economy Agenda. This plan aims to reach a general recycling rate of 40% and increase the number of certified base recyclers from 3,500 to 7,000.

Currently, Chile generates approximately 8.7 million tons of municipal waste annually, but the valorization rate remains below 2%. While the REP Law has expanded management systems from one to 34 between 2022 and 2025, challenges remain regarding infrastructure for collection and classification, particularly outside urban centers. Additionally, organic waste valorization is below 1% despite the country generating four million tons of organic waste per year.

To meet the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, experts emphasize the need for interdisciplinary engineering and modernized environmental permits. Integrating sustainability and circular economy principles during the early design stages of projects is considered essential for optimizing resources and reducing long-term environmental impacts.