ARTEMISA, Cuba.- Newly created Artemisa province´s recycling industry prevented the Cuban government from importing raw materials worth 10 million dollars, a 1,2 million increase from the previous year.

Zenen Arocha, head of the Recycling Industry in this western province, said they recycled used glass bottles, aluminium containers, and melted iron, copper and steel scraps, the last ones recovered at the local iron and steel companies.

The recycling of paper and cupboard allowed them to produce the wood pulp used for roof tiles, thus reducing to a minimum the need to fell trees and the negative impact on the environment.

This company showed profits for over 10 million dollars in 2011, by recycling waste materials supplied by the populations and governmental institutions. They plan to recycle some 17 846 tons of waste this year.

Josue Marcos, head of the Guanajay Wine Factory, said that they received over 1.5 million bottles from the recycling industry.

He added that though the figures are encouraging, there is an urge to raise awareness among the population and the government officials on the need to pick, store and deliver waste materials to be recycled for its obvious benefits to the environment and the country’s economy.