In March 2025, Red-LACRE held its annual secretariat meeting in Santiago, Chile, bringing together representatives from eight countries to review strategic plans, strengthen internal coordination, and address new regional challenges. The gathering included field visits to three Chilean waste picker cooperatives, showcasing a range of working conditions and integration levels with the national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. The cooperative Emprende Verde in Renca stood out as a successful model for EPR-linked operations, while the Peñalolén cooperative highlighted ongoing struggles with lack of infrastructure and the privatization of waste collection. Delegates expressed strong interest in Chile’s EPR model, particularly its formal recognition of waste pickers and their right to manage recycling centers and receive compensation.
The meeting also coincided with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Governors’ Assembly, allowing Red-LACRE representatives to present their demands and achievements. Soledad Mella emphasized the urgent need for financial and institutional support to improve working conditions for waste pickers. Additionally, the Network deepened its collaboration with the organization Metano Hup, which promotes organic waste recycling and methane reduction. Joint initiatives were highlighted, including the appointment of Soledad Mella (Chile) and Aline Sousa (Brazil) as Metano Hup ambassadors. These activities underscored the importance of international partnerships and policy advocacy for advancing inclusive, sustainable waste management across Latin America and the Caribbean.
You can read the full bulletin in Spanish here:
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