Public Service Fellowships

fellowships

Get Involved

start summer select a project RECYCLA

Develop RECYCLA Chile's business model or e-waste recycling systems

www.recycla.cl

Background

RECYCLA Chile was the first company in Latin America to recycle electronic waste properly. The company has set up a system to receive, collect, and store electronic equipment and appliances. This equipment is then dismantled and the valuable materials, such as copper and aluminum, are extracted. Then, the hazardous waste is separated according to its level of toxicity and is sent to a hazardous waste disposal center in Santiago.

Materials are compacted and stored in containers for export to smelters that adhere to the ISO 14.000 standard certification.

RECYCLA is the first Latin-American venture chosen as one of the “Technology Pioneers of 2009” by the World Economic Forum. It has also been recognized as a social entrepreneurship by the Schwab Foundation for its contribution in social and environmental issues in a sustainable, innovative, and effective way.

The Challenge

Patagonia Project is a RECYCLA Chile project. The company is at a stage of national consolidation and international expansion and needs to scale up. An MIT student would be a great resource to make this happen.

RECYCLA gives work and reinsertion opportunities to people at social risk.

We are seeking a Fellow for the summer. Task that we need help with include:

  • Join a team to develop a plan to automate the recycling plant through its various stages
  • Re–model and re-design processes at the recycling plant to achieve higher efficiencies
  • Review and update the company’s business plan. Recycla must plan ahead to be prepared for future challenges and opportunities

Support the expansion of Recycla across Chile and internationally by using the same model across the board

Qualifications and Assets

  • For the first two tasks, a Civil or Industrial Engineer with experience in process optimization is preferred
  • For the second two tasks, Management students and students with business planning experience are preferred
  • English and basic spanish required

Contact

MIT students interested in developing Fellowships around these ideas should contact Fernando Nilo, CEO and Founder, fnilo@recycla.cl, 00 56 2 580 3636