The ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line is the first operator to divert all waste from landfill disposal in the destination.
The line classifies and sorts all waste generated aboard Silver Origin before transporting all but organic waste out of the Galapagos Islands to the mainland to be recycled or processed in line with regulatory procedures.
Collaborating with a local waste management company, Silversea offloads all waste generated on board Silver Origin in San Cristobal each week.
Quantities of cardboard, cartons, plastic and crushed glass are flown to the mainland for recycling and the remaining refuse is transported to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s mainland by marine transportation.
"We are very proud to become the first tour operator to gain this certification in environmental management — a representation of our long-term commitment to sustainability and conservation in the Galapagos Islands," said Gabriela Naranjo, vice president and general manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador.
"We are delighted to have taken the next step on our sustainability journey, diverting all waste from landfill in the Galapagos to dispose of it responsibly — with full traceability."
