Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Peru Fact Sheet

The Challenge

Each day, Peru generates more than approximately 20,000 tons of waste, or ~1.3 pounds of waste per capita. Compared to other countries, these volumes are quite low, however, inadequate waste management and infrastructure have amplified the impacts of Peru’s waste, with significant leakages of waste into the environment and improper and unsafe disposal of nearly half of the waste produced. With only 11 sanitary landfills throughout the country, inconsistent collection practices, and low recycling rates, urban, coastal, and in-land desert landscapes have become inundated with waste. The combined results are threatening citizens’ health, the country’s tourism sector—its third largest industry), and its rich biodiversity—including whales, sea birds, and other marine life. If not addressed immediately, the impacts of Peru’s waste will continue to grow, fueled by the country’s growing middle class, increasing urbanization, and consumer consumption.

Across Peru, infrastructure and support available for solid waste management varies widely. To establish more consistent practices and mitigate ongoing impacts from the country’s waste, Peru has made great progress in developing national laws for solid waste management, including its General Law of Solid Waste passed in 2000. It has since expanded and passed additional laws to protect the environment and human health, prioritize circular economies and the recovery and recycling of waste, and promote shared producer responsibility—however, local governments are challenged to effectively implement the laws, often faced by shortfalls in tax revenue and municipal capacity. By strengthening local capacity to implement regulations, building a stronger enabling environment for enhanced infrastructure and investment, and developing new and alternative markets for recycled and reusable products, Peru can make significant progress toward a more robust, sustainable waste system that will support healthier cities and seas.