The challenge
In Europe, around 70 per cent of waste is recycled on average, while in Paraguay the figure is just 25 per cent. The majority of waste ends up on dumps, polluting groundwater and emitting methane. As a result, recycling companies lose out on valuable raw materials, and the economy misses out on important recyclables. The country lacks awareness about how to separate waste and does not have an efficient network of collection points and suppliers, which are both key elements of an effective waste management system. Recycling, in general, and paper recycling, in particular, are currently handled largely by local waste pickers, who often have to separate paper from other waste first before they can sell it. Conversely, companies like REDESA that use waste paper often have to import their raw materials from other countries due to insufficient availability and quality. An improved recycling infrastructure and higher local waste paper volumes would mean significant savings for transportation and logistics.
Project approach
The objective of the project was to set up an effective recycling infrastructure accompanied by communication measures to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of paper recycling. Between 2017 and 2021, the project partners carried out the following measures in the cities of Asunción and Ciudad del Este to increase paper recycling rates. The total budget was approximately EUR 400,000.
- Installing additional purchasing centres and collection containers at strategic locations
- Conducting targeted campaigns to raise awareness among businesses, waste paper collectors and households.
- Equipping waste paper collectors with work clothes and tools
- Providing training in occupational safety, business and household budget management
- Developing a smartphone app to better organise the recycling chain
REDESA set up the collection network and developed communication measures, training sessions and the app.
Thanks to the project, we have significantly increased the amount of waste paper that can be recycled. Waste companies, waste collectors, the general public and the environment all benefit from this effective recycling system.
Results
The improved collection infrastructure and awareness-raising measures in the media allowed REDESA to increase paper recycling rates significantly. Local waste sorting and collection increased the amount of recyclable waste paper and improved the incomes of waste pickers significantly. The smartphone app was able to draw attention to current locations and attract new suppliers.
- 54 additional collection containers
- Six purchasing centres for waste paper in different areas
- More than 3,900 tonnes of extra waste paper collected
- 300 to 500 new waste paper collectors
- Carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 410 tonnes
- Incomes of waste paper collectors increased by 50 per cent
develoPPP Classic
develoPPP Classic is aimed at companies that want to invest sustainably in a developing or emerging country and expand their operational activities locally. Suitable projects receive technical and financial support of up to two million euros in public funding.
Project partners
