Recycling emerges as economic and environmental alternative in Panama

Recycling in Panama is rapidly evolving beyond an environmental practice to become a viable economic driver, fostering a circular economy by converting waste into valuable new products. Various initiatives across the country are focused on repurposing materials such as plastic and glass.

One notable innovation involves creating construction blocks from a mixture of glass sand and recycled plastic. Alisson Batista of the Bliss Tierra Foundation explained that these blocks are suitable for the ground floor of buildings, though they are not load-bearing for upper levels. Beyond construction, recycled plastic is also being transformed into furniture and other household items by national companies and projects.

Sharit Escalante from Clandestino Lab described their process, which involves receiving shredded and color-sorted plastic. This material is then compressed into sheets, which can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, from home furnishings to office pieces. Some of these recycled materials are already being exported.

The concept of a circular economy in Panama also extends to producing environmentally friendly compost and fertilizers from organic waste like coffee grounds, banana peels, and bones, which helps improve soil quality. Currently, Panama generates approximately 1.8 million tons of waste each year, but only a small portion is recycled. Specialists emphasize that this underutilization represents a significant missed opportunity to create useful products, generate income, and reduce environmental impact. Transforming waste into resources is presented as a key strategy for both environmental sustainability and economic development in the country.

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Haciéndolos de arena de vidrio y de plástico, esto se puede usar para la planta baja de una casa; en el segundo piso no se puede utilizar porque es un bloque no estructural.