Law 755 on integral waste management framework

Law 755 establishes Bolivia’s Integral Waste Management Framework, prioritising sustainable and environmentally sound practices for waste prevention, reduction, and disposal. This law, is expressly rooted in the principles of Law 300 of “Mother Earth and Integral Development for Living Well” (article 6- Law 755), integrating environmental protection with human rights, emphasising the interconnectedness of health, a balanced environment, and climate resilience. It applies to all entities generating or managing waste, although specific sectors like hydrocarbons, energy, and healthcare are governed by special sectoral regulations. The law is guided by principles including alignment with climate change mitigation strategies, fostering cleaner production processes, and promoting shared responsibility among public, private, and individual actors. It underscores the importance of reducing waste generation at its source, enhancing recycling markets, and ensuring the safe disposal of hazardous materials. Recognising the (climate) impacts of poor waste management, the law incorporates provisions for reducing contamination of air, soil, and water resources, highlighting their critical role in mitigating environmental and health risks. Further, the law mandates institutional collaboration, public participation, and education to drive effective waste management while encouraging the adoption of agroecological and technological innovations. It explicitly links waste management to broader environmental policies such as risk management (which also contains climate provisions), water and sanitation, and climate change adaptation, aiming to align local actions with global sustainability goals.