The Municipality of Samborondón, in partnership with Geocycle and Holcim Ecuador, has reported the results from the first year of operations at the city’s Industrialized Waste Sorting Station. The facility, launched in November 2024 and operational since January 2025, represents a public-private initiative aimed at improving waste management practices in Samborondón.
With an investment of approximately USD 5 million, the plant is equipped to process up to 30 tons of waste per hour. This modernization effort has improved municipal waste handling and significantly reduced landfill disposal.
In 2025, the station managed 17,151 tons of waste. Of this total, 7,037 tons were recovered for further use—a recovery rate of 41 percent. These efforts prevented more than 11,500 tons from reaching landfills and cut carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by an estimated 8,336 tons. According to Geocycle, inorganic materials are converted into alternative fuel used in Holcim’s clinker production process under circular economy principles.
Mayor Juan José Yúnez commented: “Samborondón is one of the cantons with the highest generation of waste, and that is why we took on the challenge of managing it responsibly. Today, thanks to this sustainability project, more than 70 percent of previously buried waste is recovered and turned into productive inputs. This extends the useful life of our landfill and ensures technical and dignified management of waste for decades to come.”
The project also involved local participation from 40 environmental managers and resulted in material recovery equivalent to about 753,616 bags of green cement—enough for roughly 1,884 single-story homes.
Paúl Montero, director of Solutions at Holcim Ecuador stated: “The first year of operation for this plant has been successful and marks a milestone for the country. Transforming waste into energy and giving it a second life is key on our path toward neutrality by 2050. The results confirm that the circular economy is a real tool for decarbonizing cities.”
Looking ahead, officials announced plans to open a concrete plant in Samborondón alongside a new municipal wastewater treatment facility. The three organizations have signed a letter expressing their intention to use treated water in industrial processes as part of efforts to prioritize responsible water use.
These outcomes position Samborondón as a national example in integrated waste management while highlighting collaboration with companies like Geocycle and Holcim as strategic partners providing technology transfer and sustainable solutions within Ecuador.
