Keen to promote better management of solid wastes generated in the municipality, Chapala’s new Ecology Director José Jaime Ibañez held a public meeting Tuesday, October 9, to introduce plans for implementing a trash separation pilot project in Ajijic.
Around 100 village inhabitants turned up for the gathering at the Centro Cultural, announced with only two days advance notice. The audience represented diverse generations and nationalities.
Reaction to the proposal was overwhelmingly positive.
While Jaime met his objective of gauging public opinion on the topic, he wasn’t able to spell out details of exactly how and when the program will be launched. He did explain that the concept is to set up a schedule for collecting organic matter and materials for recycling apart from other mixed trash destined for the landfill facility in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos where Chapala deposits waste.
He indicated that householders and businesses would be responsible for separating their trash. Items made from reusable plastic, metal, paper and glass would be stored at a collection center for classification and eventual sale to recycling outfits. Proceeds from the program would be earmarked for community improvement projects approved by the citizenry.
Speaking later with local reporters, Jaime said he has made progress in working out the logistical details with the management at GIRRSA, the private company that is now handling Chapala’s garbage pickup services.
Trash separation schemes have been cooked up by successive municipal governments going back well over a decade. With increasing public concern for protecting the environment, the current administration has an opportunity to succeed where others have failed.