Portugal introduces appliance recycling discounts

Starting December 1, consumers in Portugal can receive a direct discount of up to 35 euros when purchasing new appliances and returning old ones. This initiative is part of a Direct Economic Incentive System (SIED) for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) approved by the government.

In the initial two-year phase, the SIED will be funded by the Environmental Fund (Fundo Ambiental), after which producers of the equipment will bear the costs. The current phase of the program applies specifically to refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units, and televisions. To qualify, the old equipment must be complete, identifiable, and not disassembled.

While DECO PROteste has welcomed the measure, the organization has suggested expanding the list to include washing machines and dishwashers to prevent large appliances from entering informal scrap circuits. Participation is not mandatory for all retailers, and specific conditions apply to the eligibility of the appliances.