The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) in Ecuador, through the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Inclusive Circular Economy Project (GRECI), reported progress in 2025 on technical, regulatory, and operational fronts to improve waste management nationwide. The project involved collaboration with local governments, academic institutions, international partners, and the productive sector.
One of the key outcomes was the National Beach and Waterbody Cleanup Campaign. Since its inception in 2016, this initiative has organized cleanups at 1,882 sites with participation from 198,386 volunteers. A total of 820 tons of waste have been collected along 5,956 kilometers of coastline and water bodies.
In 2025 alone, GRECI provided training for 967 individuals—including students, public officials, and community members—on source separation and waste characterization using environmental education platforms. Additionally, 48 municipal representatives from the Consortium of Amazonian and Galapagos Municipalities (COMAGA) received instruction on managing construction and demolition waste within an inclusive circular economy framework.
During the year, ten technical approvals were issued for municipal projects expected to mobilize about USD 21 million in investment. These projects are set to benefit approximately 4.6 million residents by validating new solid waste management models that municipalities aim to implement. This approval marks the initial phase in the environmental regularization process required by current regulations.
Technical support also included 112 visits to final disposal sites such as sanitary landfills, emergency cells, and dumpsites to standardize operations and strengthen municipal management.
Regulatory efforts comprised 66 inspections targeting producers of tires, agrochemicals, and batteries; as well as 28 inspections focused on single-use plastic producers and distributors. These checks aimed to verify compliance with targets for valorization, traceability requirements, and obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility (REP). Furthermore, there were 119 technical assistance sessions provided to help businesses manage their waste responsibly.
Internationally, GRECI supported Ecuador’s technical participation in negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2) held in Geneva. The project also took part in the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF 2025), which facilitated sharing best practices and developing partnerships related to single-use plastics reduction and marine pollution solutions.
“With these actions,” stated MAE representatives, “the Ministry of Environment and Energy reaffirms its commitment to a cleaner, more responsible and sustainable Ecuador where caring for the environment is a shared task among the State, local governments, productive sector and citizens.”
