Generators, users of the service, as well as entities authorized by the Municipality for the management of some of the stages of solid waste management in the canton, are responsible for complying with the provisions established in this regulation.
The responsibilities of the different actors are as follows:
- a)Generator 1. Temporarily store the waste generated in their home or property in such a way that it does not cause any environmental impact and/or risk to their health or that of other people in the community.
2. Place the generated solid waste starting at 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection, in such a way that it does not cause negative environmental impacts or health effects.
3. The waste to be collected must be in closed bags or containers. Their materials may be biodegradable or oxo-biodegradable, of various colors (except red), or transparent. The bags must be made of plastic, waterproof, with a minimum gauge of 45 microns, that allow:
i. Withstanding the tension exerted by the contained waste and by handling on the part of the waste collection personnel.
ii. Being closed by means of a fixed fastening device or by means of a knot, in such a way that when closed, they do not allow the entry of water, insects, or rodents, nor the escape of liquids.
4. In areas where the Municipality offers the service of separate collection of valorizable materials, these must be separated from the source of generation and placed separately for the collection service. The identification of the type of waste (valorizable material, ordinary solid waste) must be facilitated by the collector.
5. Valorizable wastes such as glass, paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum, among others, must be delivered dry and free of organic waste and within the established schedule. The collecting entity may establish other or new conditions for separation, packaging, and collection, which will be previously communicated to the users in writing.
6. Deliver their solid waste separated into different containers. The waste container may be disposable or reusable.
7. Sharps waste must be individually packaged to minimize the risk to collection personnel.
8. Place the waste on the ground or in a low metal basket, in front of their property, or in a collective container, within the confines of the public road, in such a way that it cannot be reached by animals. In the event that solid waste is scattered on the public road for any reason, before being collected, the generator must pick it up and deposit it again in an adequate container. In case of not performing this action, any citizen may file the respective complaint.
9. In areas where collective containers are provided, the generator must deposit their solid waste therein, guaranteeing that they will be closed after use.
10. Keep the sites with the containers or bins where solid waste is placed while awaiting collection clean.
11. Keep vacant lots or properties free of waste that could become breeding grounds for disease-transmitting vectors.
- b)Collector 1. Provide the solid waste collection service in an accessible, periodic, and efficient manner for all users.
2. Guarantee collection in the area under their responsibility. The frequency of collection is decided by mutual agreement with the municipal authorities. The collector may be the Municipality or a private company to which a concession was granted. Regardless of this, the responsibility before the user remains with the Municipality.
3. Carry out cleaning and sanitation actions in public places that are affected by accidents, exhibitions, landslides, floods, or waste dragged by stormwater currents. The foregoing, without prejudice to the responsibilities that may be demanded of those causing these events, if any.
- c)Parties responsible for treatment The Municipality must carry out the following waste treatments in the Canton. Separation of recyclable material: The Municipality installs its own recovery centers and also promotes the installation of private centers. The operation and conditions of these centers are defined in a separate agreement/contract; information regarding their operating hours and materials to be received is made known to the population by the Municipality.
Composting and/or thermal treatment of biomass: The Municipality may install plants of this type, proprietary and/or private. The operation and conditions of these plants are defined in a separate agreement/contract; information regarding their operating hours and materials to be received is made known to the population by the Municipality. Regarding thermal treatment of biomass, only waste that cannot be valorized may be deposited. Waste incineration plants may be installed provided they comply with all current environmental and health legislation. Operator of the sanitary landfill: The operator of the sanitary landfill (relleno sanitario) may be the Municipality, a private sector concessionaire, or another natural or legal person, who meets the requirements to do so in accordance with current legislation. The operator must guarantee the operation of the sanitary landfill in accordance with the permit for its operation. In case of non-compliance, the Municipality may take the measures it deems necessary.
Cleaning: The Municipality shall be responsible for executing sweeping and cleaning services for ditches, canals, sewers, roads, and public spaces, as well as the sanitary management of dead animals on cantonal public roads. It is also responsible for preventing and eliminating waste dumps throughout the territory of the Canton and the unauthorized collection of solid waste.