According to the Ministry of the Environment, Chile generates approximately 20 million tons of waste annually, a significant portion of which comes from industrial and production activities. In a context where the circular economy is advancing as a priority model and environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent—such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law—a key question arises: what industrial waste can currently be reintegrated into the production chain?

The answer is broad and constantly evolving thanks to technological development and greater traceability in waste management.

♻️ Some of the main industrial wastes that can currently be reused or recycled in Chile are:

🔹 Industrial metals and scrap: iron, aluminum, copper and other metals can be recovered and transformed into secondary raw materials, reducing the extraction of natural resources.

🔹 Industrial plastics: drums, IBC containers, pipes and other plastics can be recycled to manufacture new products, extending their life cycle.

🔹 Used oils, fuels and solvents: through recycling processes they can return to the production chain, while through treatment and energy recovery processes, they can be converted into alternative liquid fuels. 

🔹 Electronic waste: allows the recovery of valuable components and metals under controlled processes that safeguard environmental safety.

🔹 Industrial liquid waste: through physical-chemical and biological treatments it is possible to reduce its polluting load and facilitate its reuse or reincorporation into natural watercourses.

🔹 Other waste: Paper, cardboard, lead-acid batteries, aerosols, wood, and glass. These wastes also currently have recovery alternatives in the country, through consolidated and reliable processes that have been developed and operated for several years.

Moving towards more efficient waste management reduces environmental impacts and optimizes resource use. It also helps to mitigate regulatory risks and strengthen companies' sustainability strategies.

In this context, having specialized technical solutions for waste valorization, recycling, and treatment is key to improving waste management and moving towards more efficient production models that are aligned with the country's environmental challenges.

We invite you to learn more about our solutions and commitment to the circular economy at www.hidronor.cl