Andean countries
Colombia disposed of 12.15 million tonnes of waste in 2024, 96.65% in sanitary landfills, but 76 of its 249 disposal sites have expired or have under 3 years of remaining life. About 19.4 million tires (around 195,000 t) were imported in 2022, and the Environment Ministry is preparing collection targets of up to 85% by units. The sugarcane, oil palm and rice agro-industries generate large volumes of residual biomass.
Regulatory framework
Requires tire producers and importers (bicycle to truck and off-road) to run post-consumer collection and environmental management systems for used tires, which are not classed as hazardous waste, prioritising retreading, recovery and recycling and preventing open burning.
View regulation · minambiente.gov.coAmends Res. 1326/2017 with mass balances, wider geographic coverage, retreading promotion and rising collection targets: vehicles 80% by units (64% by weight) in 2026 and 85% (68%) in 2027; motorcycles, bicycles and off-road 55% (44%) in 2026 and 60% (48%) in 2027.
View regulation · redjurista.comSets extended producer responsibility for paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal packaging, with rising recovery targets.
View regulation · cancilleria.gov.coRes. 803/2024 partially implements Law 2232/2022: EPR collection, recovery and recycled-content targets for plastic packaging, rules for compostable alternatives and public procurement; it amends articles of Res. 1407/2018.
View regulation · cancilleria.gov.coGrants income-tax deduction, VAT exclusion, import-duty exemption and accelerated depreciation to UPME-certified non-conventional energy projects; biomass qualifies and the annex of UPME Res. 319/2022 lists gasification, pyrolysis and biogas equipment. Law 2099/2021 extended incentives for 30 years from 1 July 2021.
View regulation · www1.upme.gov.coTaxes fossil fuels (coal included since Law 2277) at a base rate of COP 20,500/tCO2e adjusted annually; buyers who certify carbon neutrality with certified credits can avoid up to 50% of the tax.
View regulation · gydconsulting.comSets permissible emission standards for stationary sources, including thermal waste-treatment facilities; it is the reference for air-emission permits of thermal plants.
View regulation · minambiente.gov.coContext
Incentives
Law 1715/2014 (amended by Law 2099/2021): income-tax deduction, VAT exclusion, import-duty exemption and accelerated depreciation for UPME-certified non-conventional energy projects, including biomass gasification and pyrolysis equipment. Carbon tax (Law 1819/2016 and Law 2277/2022) allows up to 50% non-payment with certified carbon credits, creating domestic credit demand. Free zones: not verified.
Recommended solution
Sources consulted
Reference information compiled from public sources as of October 2026. It is not legal advice; confirm each regulation is current before making decisions.
Verification level: High
Projects and proposals
With the material type, available volume and location we prepare a preliminary technical assessment and the plant scope.