Montevideo and ALUR partner to recycle cooking oil into biofuel

Montevideo's Intendencia and Alcoholes del Uruguay S.A. (ALUR) have launched a collaborative initiative to establish an integrated system for collecting used cooking oil from both households and commercial establishments. This partnership aims to channel the waste oil into the sustainable production of biofuels, marking a significant step towards environmental protection and resource circularity in the Uruguayan capital.

The agreement, which took effect on July 23, 2026, and has a duration of twelve months with the possibility of extension, involves an initial investment of approximately US$15,000 from ALUR. This funding will support the implementation of the collection system. The Intendencia de Montevideo highlighted that preventing environmental contamination and fostering a circular economy are central objectives of this accord.

This initiative is integrated into the existing "Hogares Sustentables" (Sustainable Homes) program, which began in December 2025. The program already focuses on household waste management through personal containers and recycling points. The addition of used oil collection will enhance the program's scope. The plan includes adapting existing infrastructure and progressively expanding the system to commercial establishments and ecocenters, thereby improving territorial coverage and citizen participation. By December 2026, the plan anticipates installing 15 clean points within Montevideo, providing approximately 10,000 households with containers and setting up 30 collection bins.