The increase in urban waste in Portugal and worldwide challenges environmental sustainability. In 2023, according to data from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), more than 5.3 million tons of urban waste were generated in the country, a significant portion of which is still sent to landfills (59%), incineration (21%), and other less sustainable forms of management.

The need to reduce this waste is becoming increasingly urgent!

However, progress in the recycling sector requires not only appropriate policies and infrastructure, but also significant investment in technology and public awareness.

According to official APA data, although the recycling rate has increased over the last two decades, the volume of waste sent to landfills remains high. In 2002, around 3.2 million tons went to landfill (70%); by 2020, this figure had fallen to 2.9 million tons (58%), which is progress, but still below the ideal, and there has even been a reversal to 59% in 2023. Given the European target of reducing total waste to landfill to less than 10% by 2035, these figures are worrying.

However, recycling remains only a small part of the overall waste management process. We therefore sought to explore the potential transformations in recycling in Portugal driven by technology and environmental awareness.

In 2024, Sotkon sponsored a survey conducted by Intercampus with 602 participants, which revealed a population concerned about environmental impact but still facing challenges to recycle. Selective collection and accessibility to recycling containers are some of the obstacles mentioned, indicating that significant change depends on the implementation of new policies.

This survey provides a detailed overview of the attitudes and habits of Portuguese people towards recycling. Around 90% of people surveyed believe in the importance of recycling, but only around 70% said they do it regularly. Among the main challenges mentioned are the lack of recycling containers and the need for incentives (particularly financial ones).

The study also reaches other conclusions that may point to ways forward, particularly in the application of PAYT (Pay As You Throw), SAYT (Save As You Throw), and RAYT (Reward As You Throw) concepts. Most of the people surveyed support a tariff based on the amount of waste deposited and think that recycling would go up if it helped lower that tariff.

We thus realize that the transformation of recycling in Portugal can greatly benefit from technological advances. The application of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and computer vision has the potential to revolutionize the efficiency of waste management.

AI can be integrated into recycling centers to automate waste sorting. With computer vision algorithms, it is possible to identify recyclable materials accurately and quickly, automatically separating plastic, paper, metal, and glass.

IoT, in turn, allows sensors to be installed in containers, which monitor the quantity and quality of waste in real time, enabling more efficient collection and reducing operating costs.

Computer vision technology, a branch of AI, can also be used to identify and classify waste in real time. When integrated into containers, this monitoring system rewards correct disposal habits.

However, technology alone will not be enough if there is no change in citizens' mindsets. According to the Intercampus survey, many still believe that recycling should be the responsibility of companies and governments. Environmental awareness, from early childhood education to information campaigns for adults, plays a crucial role in promoting a more responsible attitude. The introduction of apps to monitor people's own recycling habits can help the population understand their impact, offering rewards in public services for those who recycle more and more often.

PAYT policies, which charge fees based on the volume of non-recyclable waste, can encourage greater participation in recycling. In addition to encouraging citizens to reduce their environmental impact, the PAYT system offers a fair way of charging, where those who produce less waste pay less.

Despite the technological opportunities, the future of recycling in Portugal faces several challenges. The first is the cost of implementing these innovations. The technologies mentioned require considerable investment. In addition, rural and less populated regions may find it more difficult to justify such investments due to lower waste generation, which requires policies that ensure equal access.

Another challenge is the lack of adequate infrastructure. As pointed out in official data, some regions still rely on landfills as their main form of waste management, and selective collection is not fully accessible to all municipalities. This scenario creates a barrier to policies such as PAYT, which require differentiated collection and technologies for monitoring waste volume.

The survey sponsored by Sotkon also reveals a perception that recycling does not bring direct financial benefits to families. Many of those surveyed mention the lack of incentives as a demotivating factor. To increase adherence, it would be interesting to implement benefit programs for those who demonstrably reduce their waste through recycling, something that is already a reality in some European cities.

Countries such as Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, and Georgia use underground containers combined with Sotkon's smart solutions, based on AI and IoT, which has generated positive results and contributed significantly to efficient waste management.

We know that the future of recycling in Portugal depends on a combination of technology, effective policies, and environmental education. The application of emerging technologies can make the recycling process more efficient, but it is essential that these innovations are accessible to the entire population. The PAYT policy and habit monitoring apps offer practical ways to encourage participation, but support policies need to be implemented to ensure adequate infrastructure in all regions.

Environmental awareness must begin in schools and continue throughout adulthood. Recycling needs to be seen as a commitment to the future and an economic benefit for citizens. The transition to a circular economy is one of the most urgent goals, and the active involvement of every citizen is crucial.

In short, the future of recycling in Portugal lies in the hands of a population that, equipped with technology and encouraged by inclusive policies, can build a more sustainable future, a cleaner planet, and a more conscious society.

Recycling should not be seen as an obligation, but rather as an opportunity to make a difference.