Recycling grows 6% in 2022

Increased recycling, decreased waste production

EGF, the company responsible for the treatment and recovery of municipal waste in 174 municipalities in Portugal and 60% of the Portuguese population, recorded an increase in the selective collection of packaging (plastic, metal, cardboard and glass) of 6% in 2022 compared to 2021, in a year in which there was also a decrease in total waste production of 1%.

The reception from the selective collection of packaging (plastic, metal, cardboard and glass) was 630 thousand tons, a growth of 6% compared to 2021 (in absolute value, approximately 33 thousand tons). The total reception of urban waste in the regions served by the EGF concessionaires decreased by 1% compared to the same period in 2021 (in absolute value, approximately 38 thousand tons less).

Greater participation by citizens and consistent investment in vehicles, containers, facilities and environmental education has enabled EGF and its 11 concessionaires to increase the amount of material sent for recycling.

Separation of bio-waste increases

Food scraps and pruning and garden waste already represent 13% of all selective collections and this tendency is on the rise as municipalities move towards these selective collections. This bio-waste is transformed into organic correctives, a 100% natural fertilizer used in agriculture. In 2022, 29,000 tons of this product, so necessary for the national soils, were produced.

increase rainwater retention, helping to prevent climate change.

Waste generates electricity to supply 110 thousand families

Through various technologies, the EGF concessionaires produce electricity from common waste and biodegradable waste. In 2022, 406 GWh were exported to the grid, equivalent to the household consumption of 110 thousand Portuguese families.