The program began to be implemented internally at ORT in 2016, starting with the identification of waste categories and the creation of specially designed recycling bins.
To carry out this campaign, the university purchased trash cans made from recycled Tetra Pak material (packaging made of cardboard, aluminum, and plastic) and packaging from cookies, alfajores, potato chips, and cereal bars.
Both materials are very difficult to recycle due to their composition, but they can be transformed into a type of waterproof wood that does not degrade and used to manufacture various items, such as the trash cans found throughout the university’s facilities.
In addition, an interdisciplinary group of professionals—including communication graduates, graphic designers, and industrial designers—came together to launch a promotional campaign. The goal is to encourage and promote the use of the new recycling bins and to raise awareness about recycling in Uruguay through fun facts and various initiatives at different locations across the university.
Finally, in 2017, it launched its first corporate campaign.
This institutional program was launched with a clear purpose: to promote environmental awareness within the university community and improve waste management in the educational sector.
Since then, ORT Recicla has established itself as one of the initiatives of Universidad ORT Uruguay part of its commitment to sustainable development.
The Evolution of ORT Recicla: A Story in the Making
Since its launch, ORT Recicla has been introducing new initiatives and expanding its reach.
In the early days, they set up recycling stations for paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles, along with a major public awareness campaign promoting source separation.
They then added containers for batteries and electronic waste.
These practices became an integral part of daily life at Universidad ORT Uruguay were further strengthened through external partnerships and educational projects.
The program also began incorporating environmental criteria into the organization of institutional events.
These include eliminating single-use plastics and promoting the use of reusable tableware.
Performance of the ORT Recicla Program
Between 2021 and 2024, Universidad ORT Uruguay recycled a significant amount of waste through its ORT Recicla program.
The increase in the quantity and variety of recycled materials demonstrates the collective commitment of the entire university community.
The data show a steady improvement in the management of recyclable waste, with notable progress in the recovery of electronic waste, a growing global challenge.
The collection of paper and cardboard remains high, while the volume of plastic bottles shows slight fluctuations, possibly linked to changes in consumer habits and the use of returnable bottles.
Beyond the statistics, what sets the ORT Recicla program apart is its ability to foster active environmental citizenship.