Luis works at the last recycling site for organic waste produced in Bogotá, separating organic waste from other waste. "More awareness, more awareness because nature really is the one that suffers, and so do we... we cut our hands too," he said.
The capital's garbage collection system faces problems in coordinating and separating waste. "As long as the trash isn't in front of my house, I don't have any problems," commented one citizen, highlighting the lack of awareness beyond private spaces. Although Bogotá aspires to be a tourist destination, street trash is one of the main complaints from citizens.
The district development plan "Bogotá Camina Segura" (Bogotá Walks Safely) contrasts with the claim that "Bogotá can't even walk amidst so much garbage." The district unit in charge declined to respond to Deutsche Welle's questions. At the same time, private initiatives are emerging, such as a service that collects organic waste in buckets that are then converted into compost.
This program, which serves 2,700 households in 10 locations, transforms approximately 150 tons of organic waste into 80 to 90 tons of compost, which is delivered to participating farmers' associations and households. Luis says that thanks to these processes, "everything is born... even the birds come back here."