The IMIDRA pilot plant at the El Encín estate in Alcalá de Henares has produced 100 tonnes of high-quality compost since 2022. The project aims to regenerate vineyard and olive grove soils in the region.
The Community of Madrid has reached a milestone in its circular economy strategy: the pilot plant of the Madrid Institute for Research and Rural Development, Agricultural and Food (IMIDRA) has generated 100 tonnes of high-quality organic fertiliser in the last four years. The facility, located at the El Encín experimental estate in Alcalá de Henares, has become a benchmark for the transformation of waste into fertilisers.
Since its launch in 2022, the plant has processed over 260 tonnes of organic waste. IMIDRA researchers are working to improve the efficiency of composting processes and to advise the agricultural sector on compost production, with particular attention to the regeneration of vineyard and olive grove soils.
The project has the collaboration of several Madrid municipalities. The regional government signed an agreement with the Torrelodones City Council to make use of the organic waste generated in its schools. According to IMIDRA estimates, just from the collection in Torrelodones schools, 180,000 kilograms of waste can be converted into fertiliser by 2027.
Another active agreement is with the Torrejón de Ardoz City Council. The waste arriving at the plant from this municipality is analysed by researchers and transformed into high-quality compost. These agreements allow the councils to provide a sustainable solution for their organic waste while obtaining a useful product for their green and agricultural areas.
The Community of Madrid also offers advice to municipalities interested in fertiliser management. IMIDRA experts support a network of community composters in towns such as Horcajo de la Sierra, Prádena del Rincón, Moralzarzal, Alcorcón, Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Torrejón de Ardoz, Móstoles, and the capital. At these locations, residents can deposit their organic waste and receive compost to improve the quality of their agricultural soils.
A boost to the circular economy in the region
This initiative is part of the regional government's commitment to sustainable waste management and reducing the environmental footprint. By transforming organic waste into fertiliser, it prevents its disposal in landfills and returns nutrients to the soil, closing the organic matter cycle.
IMIDRA, which is under the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Interior, develops applied research projects at its experimental estates. The El Encín pilot plant is an example of how science can transfer knowledge to the productive sector and municipalities.
For farmers in the region, this fertiliser represents an alternative to chemical fertilisers, improving soil structure and its water retention capacity. The regeneration of degraded soils is one of the institute's priorities, especially in woody crops such as vineyards and olives.
The community composter network not only facilitates waste management but also encourages citizen participation in the circular economy. The participating municipalities receive training and technical support for the proper use of composters and the production of quality compost.
The next step for IMIDRA is to expand the plant's capacity and consolidate agreements with more municipalities. The forecast is that, in the coming years, the volume of waste processed will increase significantly, contributing to the recycling targets set by the European Union.
Those interested in learning more about the project or joining the composter network can contact IMIDRA through its headquarters in Alcalá de Henares or consult the information published on the Community of Madrid's website.
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