What is COGERSA?
COGERSA, the Consortium for the Management of Solid Waste in Asturias, is a supramunicipal entity that brings together all 78 municipalities of Asturias along with the Government of the Principality. It functions as a Public Administration and is part of the regional public sector. The core mission? To provide an efficient, sustainable public service for waste management across Asturias. By pooling resources and efforts, COGERSA helps its member municipalities benefit from economies of scale and cost savings that come from managing waste collectively. In short, it’s about smarter, greener waste management for the whole region.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
COGERSA’s impact is impressive and measurable. Here are some key facts that highlight its role:
- 872,308 tons of waste received in 2024 alone.
- 24.3% municipal separated collection rate, showing progress in recycling efforts.
- 28.07 GWh of energy produced from waste in 2024, turning trash into power.
These numbers tell a story of a system that’s not just handling waste but transforming it into valuable resources.
COGERSA’s Structure and Specialized Companies
Behind the scenes, COGERSA operates through its instrumental company, COGERSA, SAU, a Unipersonal Limited Company fully owned by the Consortium. This company tackles the complex task of waste management with technical expertise and efficiency. Additionally, there’s Proygrasa, a specialized company owned entirely by COGERSA SAU, focusing on managing animal carcasses and other category I animal by-products not intended for human consumption (known as SANDACH waste). This specialization ensures that even the most challenging waste types are handled responsibly.
Mission and Vision Driving the Effort
COGERSA’s mission is clear: to manage domestic, commercial, and industrial waste sustainably and efficiently throughout Asturias. It supports municipalities in developing their local waste management skills and encourages society’s shared responsibility to push towards a circular economy. The vision? To lead Asturias through this transition, becoming a benchmark in sustainable waste management by maximizing material and energy recovery. It’s about more than just waste—it’s about creating a future where resources are reused and nothing goes to waste.
Core Values Guiding COGERSA
At the heart of COGERSA’s work are its values, which shape every decision and action:
- A strong service vocation to Asturian municipalities and local economic activities.
- A firm commitment to citizens, especially in waste prevention.
- Professionalism and a dedication to safety in all operations.
- Transparency and objectivity in relationships with all stakeholders.
- Respect for the environment, always.
These values ensure that COGERSA’s work is not only effective but also ethical and community-focused.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by improving waste management infrastructure.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through promoting waste reduction and recycling.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing landfill emissions and producing energy from waste.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by minimizing environmental impact and protecting ecosystems.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through collaboration among municipalities and government.
How COGERSA Engages the Community
COGERSA believes that everything starts with individual action. The message is simple: generate less waste, repair what you can, reuse items, and finally, separate waste properly for recycling. They actively teach citizens what to do with each type of waste, making the process approachable and clear. This community engagement is key to advancing Asturias toward a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
