Uruguay (UY)
South America's most progressive and stable country — Uruguay consistently ranks first in Latin America for democracy, press freedom, and quality of life.
Recycling & Waste in Uruguay
Bin system, bottle deposits, special disposal, and common mistakes.
Waste management in Uruguay is managed by the Intendencias (municipal governments). The Intendencia de Montevideo (IMM) operates the most comprehensive recycling system, with colour-coded bins in most neighbourhoods. The national recycling infrastructure is less developed than in Western Europe but has expanded significantly since 2010. "Clasificadores" (informal waste pickers) remain an important part of the waste economy and collect recyclables from streets and bins before the formal collection. IMM's recycling programme (Plan de Gestión de Residuos Sólidos) sets targets for increasing recycling rates.
The Bin System
Green Recycling Bin
GreenContenedor Verde (reciclables)
- ✓Plastic bottles (PET) — rinsed
- ✓Rigid plastic containers (HDPE) — rinsed
- ✓Metal cans (aluminum, steel)
- ✓Cardboard and paper (dry, clean)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
- ✓Cartons (Tetra Pak) — rinsed and flattened
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✗Food waste
- ✗Wet or contaminated paper
- ✗Plastic bags
- ✗Polystyrene (foam packaging)
- ✗Mirrors or window glass
- ✗Medical waste
General Waste Bin
Black or greyContenedor Negro / Gris (residuos generales)
- ✓General household waste not suitable for recycling
- ✓Food waste (if no separate organic collection)
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics (cling film, plastic bags)
- ✓Polystyrene
- ✓Soiled paper and cardboard
- ✓Personal hygiene waste
- ✗Electronic waste (see special disposal)
- ✗Batteries
- ✗Hazardous chemicals
- ✗Medical sharps
- ✗Construction debris
Organic Waste (where available)
Brown or orangeResiduos Orgánicos / Compostaje
- ✓Food scraps (fruit, vegetable peels, coffee grounds)
- ✓Eggshells
- ✓Garden clippings
- ✓Biodegradable items
- ✗Meat and fish (in most community composting programmes)
- ✗Dairy products
- ✗Cooked food with sauces
No formal deposit return system — Bottle Deposit System
Uruguay does not operate a formal bottle deposit/return system. However, glass bottle collection points (puntos verdes) are installed in many Montevideo supermarkets and public spaces for voluntary glass return.
No deposit fees charged or refunded on glass or plastic bottles at purchase.
Glass: deposited at puntos verdes (green collection points) at Tienda Inglesa, Devoto, and Disco supermarkets, and at IMM-installed street points. Plastic: IMM recycling bins or ecocentros.
Special Disposal
ANTEL stores, Tienda Inglesa recycling points, IMM ecocentros, and manufacturer take-back points. CAMM (Cámara de la Actividad Electrónica) manages certified recyclers.
Never put electronics in general waste bins. Uruguay has a formal RAEE management programme under Ley 17.849.
Battery collection bins at supermarkets (Tienda Inglesa, Devoto), ANTEL stores, schools, and IMM points. Some municipalities also run periodic collection campaigns.
Alkaline, rechargeable, and button batteries must not go to general waste. Uruguay signed the Basel Convention on hazardous waste.
IMM Ecocentros (waste treatment centres). Ecocentro Norte: Camino Carrasco / Ruta 101. Ecocentro Sur: Camino Cibils. Appointment required for large quantities.
Includes: paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, cleaning chemicals. Never pour down drains or into general waste.
Sharps (jeringas, lancetas): return to your mutualista or pharmacy. Medical waste: mutualista disposal — do not put in household bins.
Use approved sharps containers. Many pharmacies offer free sharps disposal.
Automotive workshops (talleres) and fuel stations (ANCAP) accept used motor oil. Some IMM Ecocentros.
Never pour used oil into drains or soil — environmental offence under MVOTMA regulations.
Private escombro collection services (book via IMM or private companies). IMM provides limited skip hire. Not accepted in household bins.
Unlicensed dumping of construction waste is an environmental offence. Use IMM-authorised escombro disposal services.
Bulk Waste
IMM operates a voluminous collection service (recolección de voluminosos) for large items (furniture, appliances, mattresses). Book online at montevideo.gub.uy or by phone (+598 1950 3000). Items left outside without booking may be collected by clasificadores but is not guaranteed. IMM collect items left at the kerb on the booked date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ! Putting wet or food-contaminated cardboard in recycling bins — contaminates the entire batch.
- ! Not rinsing containers before recycling — same contamination problem.
- ! Putting plastic bags in recycling bins — most IMM recycling systems cannot process flexible plastic bags.
- ! Leaving recycling loose on the street instead of in bins — causes mess and reduces classification quality.
- ! Disposing of electronics or batteries in general waste — environmental offence under Uruguayan law.
- ! Not booking bulky waste collection and leaving items on the kerb hoping they will be taken.
Fines & Enforcement
IMM (Intendencia de Montevideo) can issue fines for: illegal dumping of waste ($U 5,000–25,000), disposal of hazardous materials in household bins, and littering. The Guardia Urbana (urban enforcement officers) patrol areas and issue infringement notices. Compliance with waste management rules is generally higher in Pocitos and Carrasco than in outer areas.
Practical Tips
- → Identify your nearest contenedor verde (green recycling bin) and contenedor negro (general waste) — most Montevideo streets have both within 50–100 metres.
- → IMM Ecocentros are the best option for any unusual waste stream — open Mon–Sat during business hours.
- → Clasificadores (informal recyclers) sort recyclables at night — items left in recycling bins are often pre-sorted by them before the IMM truck arrives.
- → Composting: community composting bins exist in some Montevideo parks and community gardens — contact IMM for nearest location.
- → ANTEL and Tienda Inglesa battery collection points are the easiest for small electronics and batteries.