New Recycling Targets

The Ministry of Environment has initiated the process to establish recycling targets based on the Law for the Promotion of Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility (Law No. 20.920) and its regulations. Used tires and packaging material will be the first products to undergo recollection and appraisal in the national market.

It is important to note that the regulations require all producers or importers of "priority products"—such as lubricating oils, electrical/electronic devices, batteries, packaging, and tires—to take responsibility for these goods once they reach the end of their useful life. This means that these "unusable" products must be returned to the industries where they were manufactured or to the warehouses from which they were originally distributed. The law establishes specific recollection and appraisal goals for each product.

The process may take longer than 13 months and will necessitate the involvement of various sectors. An Extended Operating Committee will be established for each targeted product, comprising representatives from the public sector, industry, consumers, universities, waste managers, and non-governmental organizations.

Additionally, there will be an open period for receiving information and conducting public consultations.

For this reason, we advise manufacturers and importers of batteries, as well as electrical and electronic devices, to stay vigilant. A draft Supreme Decree outlining recollection, appraisal, and other obligations associated with these products could be subject to public consultation before compliance becomes mandatory.