On Thursday, February 1st, the session to present the expansion of the Selective Collection Service for Bio-Waste to the residential sector in the Municipality of Braga took place, thereby reinforcing the service that has existed since 2019 in restaurants and hotels in the city’s historic center.
The campaign “Agora Sim. Nada se Perde!” (Now Yes. Nothing Is Lost!), developed by AGERE under the RecolhaBio program, which supports the implementation of bio-waste selective collection projects, is co-financed by the Environmental Fund and aims to expand the network for collecting food waste. This initiative contributes to meeting the goal of reducing landfill disposal. With the expansion of the Selective Collection Service for Bio-Waste to residential areas, and through proper separation, it will enhance the production of electricity through biogas generated from decomposition and the creation of 100% natural organic compost, which can then be applied to the soil to improve its characteristics.
To promote the campaign and raise awareness among the public about the importance of this issue, AGERE already has specialized teams on the ground to inform residents and explain how to separate and collect bio-waste and the benefits of this practice. During these street actions, brown 7L buckets and specific green bags are provided to facilitate the deposition of bio-waste into existing containers for non-recyclable waste.
During the presentation session, Rui Sá Morais, President of the Board of Directors of AGERE, discussed the management of the project, explaining that “this pilot test, which is part of AGERE’s selective bio-waste collection strategy and will cover 3,500 people in residential areas, where a specific kit for correct separation of food waste from home will be delivered, will shape the future of the city. This will allow high-quality sorting at the lowest cost. We aim to continue having one of the lowest rates in the country and, even with the increase in TGR (General Rate Tax) by the Government, this effort in bio-waste separation by the population will prevent an increase in AGERE’s tariff rates.” Rui Sá Morais also emphasized that the goal is to expand the campaign “Agora Sim. Nada se Perde!” to the entire municipality, not only to residential customers but also to major producers such as hospitals, universities, schools, or large stores, during 2024.
Ricardo Rio, President of the Braga City Council, noted that the “Environmental Fund has been a catalyst for implementing these projects, and therefore it is important to incorporate the concept of circular economy into our routine practices,” stating that “in this way, we are transforming what could be environmental liabilities into assets that can deliver economic value.”
The pilot project for Selective Bio-Waste Collection in the residential sector will start in phases in the Urbanizations of Makro and Parque Norte, with a subsequent expansion throughout the Municipality of Braga.
Braga, February 2, 2024