The office of recycling in Colombia has more than 80 years and as organized recyclers based process has a little more than 25 years. Colombia is a pioneer in the organization of recyclers . From his experience European Latin American countries and Asian are learning .

Informality has been the most notable characteristic of recycling . It is estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 people in Colombia derive their livelihood from this activity ; and yet their monthly income is not sufficient to overcome a minimum monthly salary, has lack of social security coverage , and this activity does not qualify for access to decent housing. Recyclers are responsible for a significant percentage of recycling in the country; and are a key link in a comprehensive value chain, also composed of coaches , marketers and distributors.

Colombia produces approximately 9,488,204 tons per year of solid waste, which are being recycled approximately 1,775,191 ton / year between glass, cardboard, scrap paper and most plastics. In addition, given the increase in imports of electrical and electronic equipment, the recovery of these is necessary.

The average consumption of water used to produce one ton of paper is 85 m3. This figure is 79% lower for the production of recycled paper, as its production not only requires approximately 18 m3 of water per ton of paper. This means that the 658,238 tons of cardboard and paper that were recovered in 2010 in the country an annual equivalent of 44 million cubic meters of water saving was achieved.

In terms of power consumption, average 8300kwh used to produce one ton of paper. Of the 658,238 tons of cardboard and paper that were recovered in 2010 in the country an equivalent annual savings was achieved three billion kwh.