The legal front - BackPage - Latin American recycling laws - Brief Article

Recycling Today, June, 2002

Latin America is passing recycling laws at an impressive clip, according to an update published by Raymond Communications Inc., College Park, Md.

More than a half dozen Latin American nations are pursuing new recycling policies that could greatly affect the nature of packaging used in those countries, as well as the generation, export and import of scrap materials.

A new 145-page report compiled by Keith Ripley covers legislative acts and other policy initiatives in 19 Latin American and Caribbean nations.

The report, "Solid Waste and Recycling in Latin America: Trends and Policies," is available for $320. Initiatives include:

* Brazil extending producer responsibility laws beyond batteries and tires to packaging materials

* Mexico's consideration of take-back laws for PET beverage containers

* Peru possibly mandating recycling programs for packaging

* Argentina possibly banning the use of PVC for beverage containers.

Those interested in more information or in ordering the report can visit the Raymond Communications Web site at www.raymond.com.