Waste management trends show growth in Portugal

TRATOLIXO, the intermunicipal waste management company for Cascais, Mafra, Oeiras, and Sintra, reported a 1.13% increase in total waste collected during the first half of the year. This growth was driven primarily by a 6.5% rise in bio-waste collection, totaling 42,782 tonnes.

The success is attributed to an 11.66% increase in green waste collection and a more than 45% surge in the “Saco Verde” (Green Bag) project. This initiative, which distributes free bags for food scraps to be converted into renewable energy and organic compost, has seen adoption by over 55% of the resident population in the covered municipalities.

In contrast, the municipality of Batalha is facing financial challenges due to improper waste disposal. The local government reported an additional weekly cost of 1,500 euros for cleaning up trash left near recycling points and containers. To address this, the municipality plans to install 130 new eco-islands next year and increase inspections to curb illegal dumping.