Innovative Sludge Management in South America: Afrecor and Truxor
Across South America, effective wastewater treatment and wetland restoration are becoming urgent priorities. In Uruguay, environmental services company Afrecor is tackling these challenges head-on, using innovative solutions to promote circular economy principles.
Founded in 2010, Afrecor has become a regional pioneer in specialized waste management. Their work spans hydrocarbons, special waste treatments, and wetlands — with an emphasis on sustainable resource recovery. In the wetlands sector, Afrecor faced a recurring problem: how to access and maintain remote or delicate treatment lagoons without damaging critical infrastructure.
That’s where the Truxor machine came in. With its amphibious design, easy maneuverability, and a variety of adaptable tools, the machine proved ideal for dredging lagoons, removing surface fat, and operating around sensitive membranes. In one project, Afrecor successfully removed a 0.5-meter layer of grease from a 700 m² lagoon — a job made possible by Truxor’s precision and the use of protective rubber belts under its tracks.
Another innovation that sets Afrecor apart is their use of dewatering bags. These large, permeable containers allow for high-capacity sludge pumping and long-term dewatering. In some cases, solids reach up to 50% dryness after six months. Depending on local regulations and opportunities, the dewatered sludge is either reused, stored, or safely disposed of.
But Afrecor’s ambition doesn’t stop there. They’re currently developing on-site treatment methods to convert sludge into organic soil enhancers for agricultural use — a perfect example of circular economy thinking.
The environmental benefits are clear. Without regular dredging, lagoons can become dangerously overloaded, releasing untreated water into ecosystems. Afrecor ensures these vital treatment systems remain functional, efficient, and environmentally safe with the help of the Truxor machine.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Afrecor has grown rapidly, launching TruxorLatam to bring machines to more countries in the region. Plans are already underway for new units in Colombia and Chile in 2025.
This partnership between innovation and environmental responsibility demonstrates how smart technology like Truxor is driving real change — not only in water management, but in how we think about waste as a resource.
“We started with a raft made from oil drums and a manual flocculator — now we operate with world-class technology.”
“We trusted Truxor — and it exceeded expectations. What seemed impossible turned into one of our most successful operations.”
“When lagoons are full of sludge, there is no more treatment — just pollution. Dredging is not optional, it’s essential.”
“Our goal is not just to provide services, but to inspire smarter, cleaner ways of managing water across Latin America.”