Chilean capital Santiago’s municipality is analyzing alternatives to recycle construction rubble following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s central southern area on February 27, a municipal official told BNamericas.

Authorities are working with universities and construction firms to evaluate ways to use the tiles, concrete and ceramics from damaged buildings in new constructions, said the official.

However, Chile does not have rubble recycling plants, said the official. To overcome this obstacle, government representatives are discussing alternatives with international firms. Spain, for example, has a lot of experience with technology for recycling rubble, according to the official.

Waste collection is concessioned by municipalities and so recycling services could also be handled through a concession contract, the official said.

The Santiago municipality could work with other local government entities and with the housing ministry to implement recycling and make the reconstruction process a more environmentally friendly one, the official added.

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