ZERO is calling for an alternative approach to the Algarve’s growing waste management pressures, arguing that it should expand existing treatment facilities rather than turn to incineration.
The environmental association wants to upgrade existing facilities, treat organic waste before landfill disposal, and separate household rubbish from commercial waste.
On 6 October, environmental engineer Rui Berkemeier said the association presented its proposals to the Environment Minister at a meeting the previous Friday.
ZERO wants Algar, the company responsible for waste management in the Algarve, to upgrade and expand the two mechanical and biological treatment plants to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.
Separation procedures
Another immediate priority is to distinguish household waste from rubbish generated by businesses, including hotels and other economic activities.
Rui Berkemeier said businesses producing more than 1,100 litres of municipal type waste per day should have their own waste management arrangements.
However, he believes the Algarve is not fully enforcing this requirement, adding pressure on landfill sites.
For mixed waste that cannot be separated at source, ZERO favours using existing infrastructure rather than building new facilities or investing in incineration, arguing that finding suitable locations for new installations could create further political difficulties.
Biological treatment
ZERO has also raised concerns about treating biodegradable rubbish, particularly food scraps and other organic material.
Mechanical and biological treatment can process this waste before disposal, helping limit landfill problems, including unpleasant smells, methane emissions, and wastewater that is harder to treat.
The association considers Algar’s Urban Waste Action Plan (PAPERSU) inadequate, arguing that the proposed arrangements would leave around 70,000 tonnes of waste untreated.
Berkemeier added that organic waste should not continue to go to landfill untreated, insisting it must undergo appropriate treatment beforehand.
New landfill
An environmental assessment for a new section of the Sotavento Sanitary Landfill in Loulé has added to ZERO’s concerns about current waste management practices.
The Environmental Impact Statement, issued by the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission, gave the proposed Cell D a conditional favourable decision.
This new section is expected to accommodate about 875,000 tonnes of waste, with annual deposits of 150,000 tonnes and an estimated operational lifespan of five to eight years.
The assessment also highlighted submissions from ZERO and the environmental association Almargem during the public consultation, including concerns about untreated organic waste entering landfill sites and shortcomings in waste collection and sorting systems.
According to the assessment, depositing waste with an unstable organic fraction breaches the legal framework governing landfill disposal.
ZERO believes this reinforces the need to change existing practices and prevent depositing mixed waste containing biodegradable material without prior treatment.
Alternative assessments
The association has also criticised the Environment Minister for publicly advocating incineration without mentioning mechanical and biological treatment as an alternative.
According to Berkemeier, the minister said during their meeting that all solutions remained under consideration.
ZERO wants the study planned by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) to examine treatment systems already operating in the Algarve, along with alternatives used successfully elsewhere in Portugal, including the Alentejo.
The association argues that it should properly assess reinforcing existing infrastructure and improving organic waste handling before deciding on new facilities or incineration.