Protests Over Plastic Waste Export Restrictions

The Ministry of Economy has restricted the export of waste, and scrap plastic, threatening companies that engage in this activity, said the Exporters Association of Guatemala.

Representatives of the plastics industry and other sectors related to this activity assert that not only will this discourage plastic waste collection, but this control measure will also discourage competitive prices.

Government officials claim that this measure is designed to promote the development of national industry, as there are companies in the country that have invested in technology and have the capacity to take on waste recycling.

In an article in S21.com.gt the Minister of Economy, Luis Velasquez, said that "local companies can provide the finished product at a lower cost than buying it from abroad.

However, he reaffirmed that they are willing to meet with companies who consider themselves affected in order to reach a consensus that will benefit the domestic industry ".

Source: sigloxxi.com

More on this topic

Decree Restricting Export of Plastic Waste Suspended

November 2011

The Constitutional Court of Guatemala has temporarily suspended the decree regulating the export of waste plastics (PET).

Government Agreement 333-2011, in force since October 14, sets an annual export quota of 2,400 tons for waste and scrap plastic.

The ruling of the Constitutional Court (CC) does not refer to the reasons for the suspension.

Guatemala Restricts Plastic Waste Export

October 2011

The Ministry of Finance has established an annual quota of 2,400 metric tons, and for the remainder of 2011 will only allow 600 tonnes to be exported.

The regulation reflects the need to ensure the supply of this raw material for the domestic industry under the Governmental Agreement 333-2011 published in the Official Journal.

Restrictions Repealed on Export of Plastics

April 2012

Governmental Agreement number 333-2011 of December 2011, which set annual quotas for the export of waste, parings and scrap plastic, has been repealed.

The regulation establishing annual fees implemented by the previous government was rejected by small business owners and recyclers.

Plastic Trash Turned into New Containers

January 2012

The company Total Pet Packaging will invest $12.5 million in a recycling plant in Costa Rica to make packaging from waste plastics, using PET technology.

The company Total Pet Packaging will invest approximately $12.5 million in a new PET resin (RPET) recycling plant, which will be located in Heredia. PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate.