Argentina recycles agrochemical containers into fiber optic pipes

The association CampoLimpio expanded its network of collection points to 102 centers across 22 provinces in Argentina to manage empty agrochemical containers.

The organization manages an environmental system that recovers plastic containers used in farming to prevent them from being abandoned in fields or entering informal recycling circuits. The phytosanitary industry invested more than US$100 million to build this infrastructure since 2019.

This investment allowed the system to recover more than 28 million kilos of empty containers for safe disposal or reuse. Currently, 99 of the 102 built centers are operational, with three others undergoing final licensing. These centers, known as Temporary Storage Centers, receive and sort containers before sending suitable material to authorized recycling plants. Proper cleaning is required for the plastic to be reused safely.

CampoLimpio reported that about one million kilos of containers without the necessary washing had to be sent for final disposal because they could not be recycled. For the material that met the requirements, the association transformed 35% into new containers and 44% into pipes for fiber optics. One of the collection centers in Carmen de Areco is operated by Eco Pioneras, a women's cooperative that manages recyclable materials and provides local jobs.