The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) in Ecuador has reported significant progress in solid waste management through the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Inclusive Circular Economy Project (GRECI). According to a recent announcement, the initiative has produced technical, regulatory, and operational results that are intended to improve waste management across the country and promote a transition towards a circular economy. The project involves cooperation with local governments, academic institutions, international partners, and the productive sector.
As part of these efforts, since 2016 the National Campaign for Cleaning Beaches and Water Bodies has become one of Ecuador’s largest environmental mobilizations. Up to now, 1,882 cleanup points have been activated nationwide with the participation of 198,386 volunteers. These efforts have resulted in the collection of 820 tons of waste along nearly 5,956 kilometers of coastline and water bodies.
In 2025 alone, GRECI organized training sessions for 967 people—including students, public officials, and community actors—focused on source separation and waste characterization through environmental education platforms. Additionally, 48 municipal representatives from the Consortium of Amazonian Municipalities and Galápagos (COMAGA) received training on proper management of construction and demolition waste within an inclusive circular economy framework.
This year also saw the issuance of ten technical feasibility approvals for municipal projects expected to generate investments totaling approximately USD 21 million. These projects aim to benefit about 4.6 million residents by validating new solid waste management models proposed by municipal governments. The approval process represents an initial step in complying with current environmental regulations.
Furthermore, authorities conducted 112 technical visits and inspections at final disposal sites such as sanitary landfills, emergency cells, and dumpsites to standardize operating procedures and strengthen municipal waste management practices.
Regulatory actions included conducting sixty-six inspections at facilities producing tires, agrochemicals, and batteries; as well as twenty-eight inspections at producers or sellers of single-use plastics. These measures were taken to verify compliance with targets related to valorization rates, traceability systems, and Extended Producer Responsibility obligations. The ministry also provided technical assistance on responsible waste handling practices to companies across various industries.
Internationally, GRECI supported Ecuador’s participation in negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2) held in Geneva. It also contributed expertise during the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF 2025), which serves as a platform for exchanging best practices and solutions applicable to single-use plastics reduction and marine pollution control.
“The Ministry of Environment and Energy reaffirms its commitment to a cleaner, more responsible and sustainable Ecuador where environmental stewardship is shared among government agencies at all levels as well as citizens,” stated MAE officials.
