The municipality of Samborondón, in partnership with Geocycle and Holcim Ecuador, has reported the results from the first year of operations at its Industrialized Waste Sorting Station. The public-private initiative aims to improve waste management in the city by implementing a more sustainable and efficient model.
The facility, which required an investment of about USD 5 million, was inaugurated in November 2024 and began operations in January 2025. It uses technology capable of processing up to 30 tons of waste per hour, modernizing municipal waste handling and significantly reducing landfill disposal.
In 2025, the station managed 17,151 tons of waste. Of this total, 7,037 tons were recovered for further use, achieving a recovery rate of 41 percent. As a result, over 11,500 tons were diverted from landfills and greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by approximately 8,336 tons of CO₂ equivalent. This reduction represents an estimated ten percent decrease in the canton’s carbon footprint. According to Geocycle, inorganic materials recovered are converted into alternative fuel used in Holcim’s clinker manufacturing process under circular economy principles.
Juan José Yúnez, mayor of Samborondón, stated: “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 the waste that was previously buried is now recovered and turned into productive inputs, extending the life span of our landfill and ensuring technical and dignified waste management for decades to come.”
The project also involves local social and economic benefits. Forty local environmental managers participate in operations. The amount of material recovered is equivalent to producing around 753,616 bags of green cement—enough for building an estimated 1,884 single-story homes.
Paúl Montero, director of Solutions at Holcim Ecuador said: “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 circular economy is a real tool for decarbonizing cities.”
As part of ongoing collaboration between stakeholders, plans were announced for a new concrete plant in Samborondón near a municipal wastewater treatment facility project. The three entities signed a letter expressing intent to use treated water in industrial processes as part of efforts to prioritize responsible water use.
These outcomes position Samborondón as a national leader in integrated waste management while strengthening partnerships with companies such as Geocycle and Holcim that provide technological transfer and sustainable solutions within Ecuador.
