The Ministry of Environment and Energy announced today through the Climate Agency a call for increasing recycling and waste recovery capacity.
This investment is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) within the framework of the European regulation (energy plan) REPowerEU. The initiative aims to accelerate the circular economy in Portugal and contribute to carbon neutrality by 2050, according to the announcement.
Investments may include the installation and modernization of package sorting lines, acquisition of electric vehicles and containers for selective collection, creation or reinforcement of biowaste composting centers, and implementation of wastewater treatment systems at waste facilities.
The participation rate can cover up to 100%, and selected projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. Applications are open from September 23 to October 22.
The objective is to promote waste recovery, reduce landfill disposal, and contribute to the goals of the Strategic Plan for Urban Waste (PERSU2030) and the European Union.
Environmental and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho, quoted in the statement, says the investment is “a decisive step to accelerate the circular economy in Portugal, ensuring more recycling, less landfill, and greater resource recovery in line with European and national goals.”
“Portugal needs to turn waste into opportunities, reducing the dependence on virgin raw materials, promoting innovation, and creating economic and environmental value across the territory,” she adds.
The ministry recalls the goals of recycling at least 55% of urban waste by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 65% by 2035, while reducing landfill disposal to 10% by 2035.
The call is aimed at urban waste management systems (SGRU) granted under PERSU2030, which ensure the waste management for millions of people nationwide.
These include Ambilital — Environmental Investments in Alentejo; LIPOR — Association of Municipalities for the Sustainable Management of Waste in Greater Porto; Association of Municipalities of the Planalto Beirão Region; Resialentejo — Waste Treatment and Recovery, and EGF, through its 11 associated systems (Algar, Amarsul, Ersuc, Resiestrela, Resulima, Suldouro, Valnor, Valorlis, Valorminho, Valorsul, and Resinorte).
