Los Lagos region marks 10 years of Chile's extended producer responsibility law at circular economy summit

Representatives from government, municipalities, academia, private firms and grassroots recyclers gathered in Puerto Montt for the II Circular Economy Summit, commemorating a decade since Chile's Ley N.º 20.920 on Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) was enacted. Participants reviewed the law's impact on waste management, noting increased municipal recycling programs, new infrastructure funded by the Recycling Fund, and growing collaboration among stakeholders.

Speakers highlighted the law’s role in establishing selective collection systems, financing 24 regional projects, and integrating small‑town recyclers into formal waste streams. Regional Environment Minister Lorena Leichtle stressed the need for continued coordination to expand prevention, reuse, recycling and valorisation of waste for community and environmental benefits.