Grupo Empresarial RABSA

Grupo Empresarial RABSA is a beacon of environmental stewardship, leading the charge in transforming waste management practices throughout Costa Rica. It is fostering a change in waste management mindset through client consultations and education on proper waste management practices.

“Our main goal is to teach how to deal with waste by separating it,” says Hellen Rivera, project manager at Grupo Empresarial RABSA. “It’s part of our job to walk side by side with our clients and advise them, based on our experience, on what would work best for them.”

Approximately 30 years ago, RABSA embarked on its journey as a small-scale initiative, and today, it stands with diverse transportation methods, upgraded facilities and a state-of-the-art landfill in Costa Rica. Notably, its landfill has the longest projected lifespan, about 25 years ahead of others in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica.

In 2017, it was acquired by Corporativo Promotora Ambiental (PASA), a Mexican corporation specializing in environmental promotion. This catalyzed substantial changes within RABSA’s operations, introducing a more structured framework aligned with PASA’s mission and values. Certifications such as ISO 19001, ISO 14001, and ISO 450001, focusing on quality, environmental standards and the wellness of its workers, are now integral to RABSA’s commitment to excellence.

Its waste management services encompass collection, transportation and landfill disposal, serving both public and private clients. Public clients include government entities engaging in formal procurement processes for waste management services, while private clients span various industries, such as restaurants and manufacturers, seeking tailored waste management solutions.

It also offers value-added services tailored to diverse client needs. These services include product destruction for businesses requiring discrete disposal, pre-recycling services aimed at valorizing materials and beautification services for parks and green areas. RABSA specializes in co-processing, transforming waste into fuel for industrial use. It actively develops disposal processes for hazardous materials, ensuring proper treatment and exploring opportunities for material transformation and alternative fuel creation.

The prevailing attitude toward waste management in Costa Rica and many other Latin American countries often involves indiscriminate disposal, with little consideration for environmental impact. Acknowledging the need for a paradigm shift in waste management practices, it encapsulates its mission in the phrase, ‘altogether is waste, but separated it’s a resource.’ Treating waste as a resource rather than a burden alleviates pressure on landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fosters new avenues for economic growth, such as composting and biogas production.

Demonstrating its dedication to steering clients toward sustainable practices, RABSA encountered a situation where a client was inadvertently mixing solids from their water treatment plant, which included diverse materials such as construction debris and nitrile gloves, unaware of the adverse environmental consequences. The client expressed a desire for an alternative solution that didn’t involve landfilling. RABSA’s team took the initiative to educate the client about the significance of segregating these materials for composting purposes, enabling the creation of beneficial agricultural products free from contamination.

RABSA prioritizes customer experience over mere service provision, which is crucial amid rapid company growth. Establishing a robust company culture that facilitates internal and external stakeholders’ needs fosters superior service delivery. Recognizing the presence of ‘inner customers’ within the organization underscores the importance of catering to colleagues’ needs to ensure seamless service provision to external clients. The goal is to facilitate those who approach with requests, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders. Technology is a crucial ally in streamlining operations, from client requests to complaint management, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Employee safety and well-being are paramount at RABSA, and robust campaigns have been implemented to educate staff on proper waste-handling procedures. Collaborative efforts with local authorities have significantly reduced workplace accidents, enhancing employee safety and environmental integrity.

Embracing a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainability, RABSA is not only shaping the future of waste management in Costa Rica but also setting a precedent for responsible environmental practices worldwide.