Work on the AlmerÃa Environmental Complex is progressing at a frenetic pace, putting behind them the bitter memory of the fire a couple of years ago. The city is getting closer to having state-of-the-art facilities that will allow for much more efficient and sustainable waste management , something the residents of the capital have long awaited to improve local sustainability.
According to the latest data provided after the official visit to the Cuevas de los Medina site, the works have already surpassed 85% completion . This means that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we could see the plant operating at full capacity this summer after completing the necessary technical tests, which will begin in a matter of weeks. This is excellent news for the local area.
State-of-the-art technology for waste sorting
One of the most anticipated milestones was recently reached with the installation of a trommel screen of spectacular dimensions, which has become the heart of the system. This perforated, rotating cylinder, considered one of the largest in Spain , is primarily designed to sort waste according to size, making it easier to reuse each material separately.
Assembling this component has been a significant engineering challenge, but it's now in place alongside the rest of the machinery already installed in the facility. The operators are now focused on completing the electrical connections and the final assembly of the equipment to ensure everything runs like clockwork when it's time to switch on the controls and begin the no-load testing.
New features include an elevated walkway , designed to promote transparency and environmental education . This platform will allow citizens to visit the facilities and see firsthand how the effort of separating plastic or paper at home pays off when it is transformed back into useful raw materials for industry.
Economic impact and treatment capacity
The investment to build this new center is close to €20,5 million, an amount assumed by the concessionary company PreZero as part of its management commitment. With this deployment of resources, the plant not only recovers what was lost in the 2022 fire, but also expands its operational capacity to reach 113.000 tons of general waste and an additional 4.000 tons specifically for packaging.
From a financial perspective, the move is a win-win for the public coffers, with an estimated three million euros in savings over the next decade thanks to reduced landfill taxes. By recovering more material and burying less waste, AlmerÃa saves a significant amount of money while complying with the most stringent European circular economy guidelines.
The infrastructure has been designed with the future in mind, initially occupying 7.000 square meters but with ample space to expand to 40.000 square meters if needed. Furthermore, solar panels have been integrated for energy self-consumption, along with state-of-the-art systems that will keep unpleasant odors and emissions under control, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the area's natural environment.
This ambitious project places AlmerÃa on the map of cities that best manage their environmental footprint, significantly extending the life cycle of products . The combination of constant monitoring, enhanced safety measures, and leading-edge waste separation technology ensures that AlmerÃa has a key tool to address the ecological challenges of the coming years without relying so heavily on conventional landfills.
