TRASH IS NOT ALWAYS TRASH.
- milanabarichara
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
We thought it would be interesting to share with you what we've learned about waste management since moving to Barichara in 2021, which we're making a regular practice within the Milana project. These are very simple practices that, in the short term, are already showing us significant benefits for our economic and social environment.
Milana pursues the ideal of minimal environmental impact within its practices, so conscious waste management is a logical and fundamental aspect of our work plan. The town itself also encourages this behavior through citizen action, the example of its neighbors, and a legitimate concern for a better environment for all.
Let's start by understanding that not all trash is trash. In fact, supported by evidence from our internal records, trash that is simply trash is an increasingly smaller part of the daily routine in Milana's kitchens. We will classify waste into three well-known categories: organic waste, recyclable material, and non-recyclable waste. The latter will end up in landfills, while the first two are merely a link in the circular processes we have adopted: composting and recycling.
Organic waste, consisting of fresh peels, spoiled or rotting fruits and vegetables, plate and table waste, and kitchen process waste, will be sent from the kitchens directly to the biodigester bins at Milana Salvaje, our rural, rural space at the restaurant. This waste will be transformed into compost, leachate, and rich black soil for the production of fertilizers that feed our garden. From there, vegetables, some tubers, and many flowers return to the restaurant, encouraging the team to continue sorting and caring for this material.
Plastic, metal, glass, and paper waste, non-rechargeable batteries (very scarce in Milana), and other recyclable materials are taken directly to one of the recyclable collection centers in Barichara. Respira Soluciones Sostenibles, located two blocks from Milana, receives our washed and sorted recyclables, which we use to score each material based on its weight. These scores are added up on a membership card and can be converted into redeemable value for basic goods, such as food, school supplies, and hygiene products, available in their own product bank. Our scores are distributed among the team so they can benefit from them and see their discipline in managing this type of waste reflected in their own work.
Thus, the only trash can left in the public space for municipal collection at night will always be landfill trash.
Fun fact: Barichara collects its trash door-to-door in the urban area based on the type of waste: organic waste every Thursday and Sunday, recyclables every Tuesday, and landfill trash (non-recyclable) on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you forget the system and leave the wrong trash on the street, the garbage truck won't pick up your trash. Sorting at source... for everyone. Great!
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