Reasons to consider waste cooking oils (WCO) within the special regimen of waste management of prioritized goods in Peru

Abstract

In this article, the health and environmental impacts caused by Waste Cooking Oils (WCO) are presented, considering the requirements of Law 1278 and its regulations contained in the Supreme Decree 014-2017-MINAM-PERU for solid waste. This paper explains why this regulation —whose title and orientation focuses on solid waste— is relevant and applicable to liquid oils, as well as the concept of prioritized goods, their regimen and how the law’s principles are related to WCO. The situation of WCO is reviewed for each of the policies contained in the regulations. The traditional life cycle for WCO is presented, as well as the new life cycle approach under circular economy. The possibility of utilizing WCO in the production of biodiésel is presented in order to give value to the first, under the Principle of valorization of waste. The responsible actors and partners are identified under the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) and Shared Responsibility. The eco-toxic and toxic effects that WCO represent, when inadequately managed, are identified, under the principle of Protection of the Environment and Public Health. In the broader development of the REP, this work emphasizes the role of responsible actors and demonstrates that WCO meets the criteria to be considered within the special regime for prioritized goods.