Puerto Rico’s Growing Industry: Insights from Recent Coverage in the Los Angeles Times.

Puerto Rico’s waste management industry is undergoing significant transformation as the island works to meet ambitious environmental goals. With a federal mandate to reduce solid waste by 30%, the sector is embracing sustainable practices like recycling, renewable energy projects, and more efficient waste disposal systems.

In a recent report by IGM Investments Independent Supplement For Los Angeles Times (2024), the importance of these efforts was emphasized, along with the role of industry leaders in driving the change. Joshua Hernández, Vice President of the company, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of waste management in Puerto Rico. According to Hernández, the industry’s future is closely linked to meeting the environmental targets set by the federal and local governments. “As an industry, we have the responsibility to find alternative, tangible solutions like recycling that offer sustainable benefits for Puerto Rico,”Hernández commented in the report.

The IGM Investments article highlights how companies with decades of experience, like ours, are making significant contributions by implementing solutions that support both waste reduction and economic growth. Our efforts in serving more than 20 municipalities across the island—both in the north and south—have contributed to the development of a robust recycling infrastructure. The report details the operations of our regional recycling plant, which processes both mixed and separated materials, sorts them, and packages them for sale to local companies or export to international markets in China and the United States.

Hernández also reflected on the unique challenges and opportunities facing Puerto Rico, noting that the island imports 80% of the food it consumes. “Much of that packaging and waste can be turned into valuable resources for new products. It’s an opportunity to reduce waste while creating economic value,” he said. The IGM Investments report emphasizes that this focus on recycling not only supports a circular economy but also helps reduce dependence on imports and creates new opportunities for local businesses.

For further insights on Puerto Rico’s waste management industry and the strategies being employed to drive sustainability, refer to the full report by IGM Investments here.