The Composting Plant “Los Cantiles,” located in the Valdemingómez Technology Park, is now operating at full capacity, setting a milestone in sustainable waste management in Madrid. The construction of this infrastructure first required the demolition of the old MSW warehouse “La Paloma,” a process that generated 25,000 m³ of reused aggregate as a base for new pavements.
This plant, the eighth on the premises, is exclusively dedicated to transforming the digestate from the selective collection of organic matter into high-quality fertilizer. Additionally, it incorporates the latest composting technologies, standing out as a pioneer in automation and the use of artificial intelligence for its management.
In this regard, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, highlighted the relevance of Valdemingómez as a model of efficiency in waste management, concentrating over 1.2 million tons annually in a single space. This centralized approach allows maximizing sustainability and positions Madrid as a global reference in the circular economy.
With an investment of 48.5 million euros, of which 19.5 million come from the European Next Generation funds, the plant can process up to 102,490 tons of organic matter annually. This volume includes 82,490 tons of digestate from the brown bin and Mercamadrid waste, and 23,910 tons of vegetable fraction. In total, more than 37,000 tons of compost will be produced annually, closing the cycle of organic waste management in the city.
Innovation and Sustainable Architecture
The office building of Los Cantiles is the first public building of the Madrid City Council certified as Passivhaus Premium, standing out for its energy efficiency and sustainable design. Equipped with an almost 1 MWh photovoltaic solar plant and natural lighting systems, this building is an international model of decarbonization and sustainability.
The plant also has an R&D area, equipped for innovative projects, and plans to implement technologies such as a waste characterization pilot system based on artificial intelligence. Additionally, it will be integrated into the first smart urban spaces in Madrid, with street lighting and advanced sensors to monitor its environment.
A Commitment to the Future
The inauguration of “Los Cantiles” consolidates Madrid’s leadership in waste management, aligning with European circular economy objectives. This plant not only addresses the increasing volume of generated waste (1.3 million tons in 2023) but also strengthens the city’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and technological innovation.
Valdemingómez stands out as a role model, demonstrating how major cities can efficiently manage their waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
The ecological benefits of the technology park. Photo: Madrid City Council.
Why Was the Valdemingómez Technology Park Created?
According to the Madrid City Council, the Valdemingómez Technology Park, since 1978, concentrates all the city’s urban waste treatment facilities, receiving the more than four thousand tons generated daily in that urban area.
Its essential goal is to process waste to recover everything that can be reused and safely dispose of non-recoverable waste in a landfill.
While the population of Madrid has grown year after year since 2008, the amount of waste generated by the city has decreased over the years. This is because the citizens of Madrid not only generate less waste but also increasingly improve the source separation of their waste at home, meaning they separate their waste better at home. This, along with the increased efficiency in waste treatment, has helped significantly increase the recovery of recyclable materials.
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