ALGAR has just announced a new campaign to promote recycling. The initiative aims to increase the recycling of glass packaging and reduce environmental impact.
Algar – Valorização e Tratamento de Resíduos Sólidos, S.A., in collaboration with Sociedade Ponto Verde, has just launched the ‘Horeca no Algarve Recicla++ Vidro’ campaign. This initiative, which covers the region’s 16 municipalities, aims to boost glass recycling in the hotel, restaurant and cafeteria (HORECA) sector, promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
The HORECA sector plays a crucial role in the production of glass packaging, a material that is 100 per cent recyclable and can be reused indefinitely without loss of quality. By recycling glass, we save precious natural resources such as river sand, reduce energy consumption, cut CO2 emissions, and avoid sending waste to landfills. Bottles and jars are also given a new lease of life and transformed into new glass packaging.
“In order to achieve the ambitious targets for recycling packaging, especially glass, it is crucial that we continue to co-operate solidly and adopt specific actions that contribute to this, such as the innovative ‘Horeca no Algarve Recicla++ Vidro’ project. Our ‘Juntos a reciclar ++’ programme allows us to continue this joint work between SPV, the SGRUs, local authorities and municipal companies and reinforces our role as a reference partner in the sustainability journey of all those involved in the value chain,” says Sociedade Ponto Verde’s CEO, Ana Trigo Morais.
Ambitious Goals for a Sustainable Future
The ‘Horeca in the Algarve Recycles++ Glass’ campaign aims to involve and sensitise around 1,500 HORECA establishments, encouraging the correct separation and recycling of packaging, with a special focus on glass. This action is not restricted to glass but also covers other recyclable materials, such as paper/cardboard and plastic/metal packaging.
One of the main objectives is to increase glass recycling by 10%, which translates into an additional 71 tonnes of recycled glass per year. For paper/cardboard and plastic/metal, the growth targets are 3%, corresponding to 86 and 31 tonnes per year, respectively. The campaign also aims to increase the number of establishments joining the free ‘Comércio a Reciclar’ service, formerly known as ‘Algarlinha’, by 18 per cent. This service offers door-to-door selective packaging collection to small businesses, restaurants and services.
Door-to-door awareness-raising and the importance of recycling bins
During the campaign, awareness-raising teams from SUMA and Algar technicians, together with representatives from the municipalities, will carry out door-to-door visits to HORECA establishments. These visits will have two main objectives: to increase the amount of recyclable waste collected in establishments that are already participating and to promote recycling and adherence to the ‘Comércio a Reciclar’ service in new establishments in this sector.
Information materials and giveaways will also be distributed, as well as vinyl stickers affixed to street recycling bins, with the aim of educating and discouraging traders from using these bins inappropriately. It’s crucial to emphasise that the recycling bins are for domestic use only. As for HORECA establishments, due to the greater quantity and size of their packaging, they have Algar’s ‘Comércio a Reciclar’ service at their disposal, free of charge, which includes training, specific bags for separating waste and 120-litre containers for glass. In addition, they can have their recyclables collected directly from their business premises.
Benefits for Municipalities and Campaign Schedule
The ‘Horeca no Algarve Recicla++ Vidro’ campaign aims to improve waste management in the region, reduce the amount of recyclables sent to landfill, and optimise the use of recycling bins. The initiative is expected to directly impact around 4,500 people, with an even greater indirect reach, sensitising the establishments’ customers to the importance of recycling.
The campaign will run in two phases. The first, from September to October, will focus on raising awareness and encouraging establishments to recycle. The second, in November, will focus on monitoring new adherents, ensuring that waste separation is carried out effectively and sustainably.
Telma Robim, Algar’s CEO, commented: “With this initiative, Algar is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and improving the quality of life in the Algarve’s municipalities, promoting more efficient waste management practices and emphasising the importance of glass recycling.”
She adds: ‘If you have a commercial establishment and have not yet joined the free “Comércio a Reciclar” service, we invite you to join us. Contact the Recycling Line on 800 911 400 (freephone) or send an email to atendimento@linhadareciclagem.pt. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable Algarve!’
About Algar, S.A.
Algar – Valorização e Tratamento de Resíduos Sólidos, S.A., is the company responsible in the Algarve for the integrated system of selective collection, transfer, sorting of materials for recycling, energy utilisation of biogas produced in landfills, composting of green waste and treatment of municipal waste deposited in landfills, produced in the municipalities of Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo António.
