Challenges in the achievement of European targets for recyling: Biowaste treatment infrastructures in the Alentejo-Algarve region

Abstract

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) continues to be a challenge for municipalities and management entities that face upcoming European-wide targets. The aim is to transition to a management model that allows decoupling economic growth from the use of resources, reducing the impact on the environment, promoting the designs of a circular economy. The Portuguese Strategic Plan for Municipal Waste (PERSU 2030) sets ambitious goals for Portugal and for each management entities, in particular with regard to biowaste management, which is due to stir up the current collection and treatment. The aim of this work was to analyse 7 municipal waste management entities (SGRU) from Alentejo and Algarve region, with a focus on biowaste treatment facilities and their capacity to respond to the targets.