Maule Region launches vermicompost program in Pelluhue; Temuco expands citizen waste reporting

The Ministry of Environment funded a vermicompost project in the coastal commune of Pelluhue, providing kits to 90 households. The initiative, called "Vermipelluhue," was overseen by regional environment secretary Felipe Massardo and co‑financed by the municipal government with a total budget of 14 million Chilean pesos plus 1.5 million pesos from the municipality. The kits enable families to convert organic waste into a high‑quality liquid bio‑fertilizer, supporting circular‑economy goals and reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions.

In the city of Temuco, the municipal "Ecovigilantes" WhatsApp channel recorded 280 reports of illegal waste dumping during the first half of the year. Mayor Roberto Neira highlighted the tool’s role in mobilising residents to help enforce public‑space cleanliness. From these reports, local police courts issued 31 fines, and officials are working to improve evidence collection to increase successful prosecutions.