Portugal's regions report gains in waste recycling and valorisation

The Association of Municipalities of Central Alentejo (AMCAL) recorded higher selective collection of urban waste in the first half of 2026. Paper and cardboard collection rose 9.7% to 344 tonnes, plastic and metal up 7.2% to 266 tonnes, and glass increased 2% to 273 tonnes, while mixed waste fell 2% to 4,771 tonnes. The improvement was linked to awareness campaigns such as “Embalagem da Sorte” and “Liga Vitrum”.

In the Azores, the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report showed that 82% of the 153,969 tonnes of waste generated was valorised – 28% material, 29% organic and 25% energy recovery – reducing landfill disposal to 18%, well below the 30% target. Packaging collection reached a record 21,480 tonnes (88.9 kg per capita), 9% higher than the previous year, and the overall preparation for reuse and recycling rose to 49%, surpassing mainland and Madeira averages, though still short of the EU 55% goal.