Cúcuta Lions’ Community-Driven Recycling Project

Cúcuta, officially known as San José de Cúcuta, is a Colombian municipality located at the foot of the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes. In Cúcuta, only 3.6% of solid waste is recycled with the other 96.4% ending up in landfills. If this continues, it is projected to cause the landfills of all 321 municipalities in the country to be completely full within the next five years.

Determined to address the intensifying waste crisis, Lions have been working to increase recycling efforts since 2017. The 10 Lions clubs in the city have been collecting and selling recyclable materials, with a focus on paper and plastic. Their devotion to recycling led to the establishment of a waste processing center, which has allowed them to collect eight tons of waste each year.

To build on this eco-friendly initiative, Lions of District F4 used a US$36,945 Matching Grant to purchase machinery and equipment allowing them to process recyclable materials, sell the recycled products, and put the funds toward service activities throughout the district. “Our community is greatly benefiting from recycling. Students are receiving computers, the elderly are receiving recycled and repowered wheelchairs; we are able to give out mattresses, sheets and cleaning supplies on a regular basis and so much more,” said Past District Governor (PDG) Luz Marina Rojas.

However, they aren’t stopping there. To expand their impact, Lions are purchasing waste from 100 family-owned small businesses. They then sort, clean, crush, compact and sell the recycled products. Not only does this generate income to use on community service activities, but it also helps the small recycling businesses thrive. PDG Rojas says, “Separating the materials allows us to destroy and reuse the garbage more efficiently. This creates a healthier environment with less pollution and more work opportunities for the community.”

In addition to working with small businesses, the Lions have partnered with Arenorte, a recycling cooperative that collects waste across Cúcuta. Arenorte will provide the Lions 32 tons of waste every month to be processed through the new recycling machines. They will sell the recycled materials to companies such as Ecopetrol, Corponor, EIS Cúcuta, Faro del Catatumbo and the Coffee Growers Federation.

With this project recycling an anticipated 400 tons of waste annually, the Cúcuta Lions clubs are taking a huge step toward environmental sustainability.

Lions and Leos are working to protect the environment to create healthier communities and a more sustainable world. Learn more about how you can get involved and plan your next environmental service project at lionsclubs.org/environment.