Montevideo, Uruguay

Context

Uruguay has a strong policy framework for waste management and circular economy. The country adopted the Integrated Waste Management Law in 2019 and is implementing the National Waste Management Plan, which sets targets for waste reduction, recovery, and improved environmental performance through 2032.

The metropolitan area, including Montevideo, Canelones, and San José de Mayo, concentrates most of the country’s population, economic activity, and waste generation. Coordination across these municipalities is essential to reduce landfilling, strengthen recycling systems, and advance circular economy solutions.

Uruguay has introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging and is advancing new regulations for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). However, landfill disposal remains dominant, and parts of the recycling chain still operate informally, creating environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Uruguay is recognized in Latin America for early packaging recovery systems and strong environmental governance.
Uruguay generates more than 1 million tonnes of municipal waste per year. Montevideo alone generates over 40% of this.
Informal recyclers are highly visible in the city and play a major role in material recovery, particularly for plastics, paper, and metals.
Uruguay has operated packaging EPR systems since 2007, with updated recovery targets and deposit-return mechanisms under development.
Organic waste recovery is still limited. Construction and demolition waste remains under-recovered.

SWAP in Montevideo

The GEF-funded Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) initiative supports Montevideo in aligning national and municipal waste plans, strengthening, financing, digital systems, and improving governance across municipalities to accelerate circular economy.