In Cusco, the production of solid waste represents a problem due to the increase of the population of surrounding cities and the increase of the internal and external tourist flow that is not accompanied by an improvement of the services of collection and waste management. To reduce this problem, since 2001, the program “Sustainable Management of Urban Solid Waste in the City of Cusco” (RETAMA) has been implemented, which incorporates three basic elements:

a) Sensitization, Participation and Communication to the population.

b) Sanitary Infrastructure

c) A solid waste pilot management system that includes the construction and implementation of an Appropriate Technological Resources Center for Environmental Management (RETAMA).

Principal Objective:

Improve the environment in Cusco, through a comprehensive plan of communication, collection, treatment and disposal of solid wate generated in the area.

Specific Objectives:

• Sensitize the population on the adequate management of the RSU.
• Improve the system of collection and treatment of RSU.
• Reduce the volume of final disposal of the RSU.
• Implement a system of recovery and sale of the byproducts of the RSU to finance the self-sustainability of the project.

Funding source: USAID and Fondo de las Américas (FONDAM)

Project area:

It is estimated that there were 350 thousand inhabitants of the City of Cusco and nearby districts impacted by low pollution thanks to the RETAMA Center.

Duration: 2001 – 2004