A study assessed perceptions, needs and obstacles for suitable waste management in dairy farms in South America. The goal was to identify priorities for management strategies and technology transfer to improve waste management. The consultation was held in Brazil, Chile and Argentina, between March 2015 and November 2017, with 593 dairy farmers, technicians, consultants, farm employees, service providers, students, researchers and representatives of public institutions and of dairies. It is the first study that analyzes target audiences' public perceptions of waste management in Latin America, considering three different countries, where the dairy sector is a strong industry. The three have 70% of the dairy herds of South America and produce 73% of its milk. Hence, waste management is important due to the large volume produced and the environmental impact that inadequate practices can cause. According to the researcher Julio Palhares, from Embrapa Southeastern Livestock (São Carlos, SP), in these countries, most of the time, milk production residue is used incorrectly, without considering environmental limitations, increasing the odds of causing negative impacts, such as soil contamination, gas and odor emissions into the air, and water pollution. “Use as fertilizer or for biogas production are alternatives to perform waste management at the property. But the lack of management or excess application can result in damages to the environment”, Palhares explains. About 90% of the interviewees recognize manure as a good fertilizer. With regard to biogas production, 60% consider it an effective option for the treatment of animal dejection. However, the complex management, the high costs and the lack of knowledge and of specific laws were listed as obstacles to make an adequate management. The interviewees also indicated their needs for a better management: a manual with waste management best, availability of equipment and technologies, and access to lab analyses for waste characterization. From the total sample, 52% who responded to the survey are Argentinean, 308 people. Brazilians, 37% (217) and Chileans, 11%. As for their occupation, 77% are dairy farmers. Some differences appear depending on the country. Specifically in relation to Brazil, almost all the interviewees agreed with the use of manure as a fertilizer and that they would use it to replace mineral fertilizer. For 80% of the Brazilians, biodigestion is a good option for management. A little over 60% stated that the odors are pollutant and a high percentage believes that there is no suitable regulation in Brazil about the subject. Palhares stresses that despite the countries' similar productive, cultural, economic and environmental conditions, differences between Brazil and the two other countries were observed. “This is the result of the different levels of development, of the application of regulations, and of programs aimed at dairy waste management. In the case of Chile and Argentina, debate on the subject and its subsequent internalization by those concerned is far more advanced than in Brazil. For example, in Chile it has already been years since companies started compensating farmers for their environmental practices. In Brazil this is yet to be implemented”, he reports. The results can contribute so that these countries establish waste management plans, and develop public policy and research and education programs. The study was conducted by researchers from Embrapa Southeast Livestock, University of Buenos Aires, Chile's Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), and Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and National Technological University. The study can be found here. Translator: Mariana Medeiros