With the aim to keep promoting knowledge in compliance with the legislation to regulate hazardous waste management currently in force in our country and look into the way specific organizers act in this matter, the Webinar "Challenges to hazardous waste management in the implementation of EPR policies" took place last Friday, on December 10th, organized by Hidronor and País Circular.

Different companies participated in the event along with executives interested in learning more about these new requirements, in addition to exhibitors such as Daniel Vargas, EPR coordinator of the MMA Circular Economy Office; Maritza Rojas, CEO at Idearia; Maurice Menadier, Project Manager at Vía Limpia; and Juan Andrés Salamanca, Hidronor Regional Sales and Marketing Manager.

During this occasion, the experts explained key concepts to the attendees that are of vital importance for our country’s correct proceeding, like the difference between hazardous waste "producers" and "generators" (as the current EPR Law and DS148 impose regulations for both), the first are considered "producers" by importing and commercializing industrial elements which are finally converted into waste, or by importing and making immediate use of it; while "generators" are considered to, at the end, be the ones to have the final hazardous waste in their hands and must contact the correct institutions to dispose of them responsibly.

In addition, they made clear that the goals established by the EPR Law for hazardous waste classified as "priority products": lubricating oils; batteries, electrical and electronic appliances; car batteries; Containers and packaging; and tires, also highlighting the alarming figures which is why it is so necessary to fully comply with these guidelines today.

“Chile currently produces approximately 23 million industrial wastes per year, where 13 million are classified as non-hazardous, 8 million come from homes, and 0.62 million correspond to hazardous waste. For this reason, it is necessary for companies to start working with Integrated Management Systems (IMS) that allow them to take charge in a proactive and responsible way, always aiming to improve the sustainability of the country we live in”, highlighted Juan Andrés Salamanca.

“In order to give support, in our country there are various alternatives for companies dedicated to the management and treatment of industrial and hazardous waste, such as Hidronor, where we remain at the forefront to offer our clients quality services across the entire national territory”, he added.

To finalize, a round of questions was held where the experts cleared up important doubts to the attendees in order to clarify the information presented, the meeting concluded with the satisfaction of all the attendees.

We invite you to review the full webinar at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L98EO_MK3wY&ab_channel=HidronorChile