The Algarve tests the future of separate collection
Silves is running a door-to-door collection pilot that goes further than most: bins are fitted with RFID tags that identify and flag incorrectly sorted containers, and a digital monitoring platform tracks individual household waste production. The pilot, supported by ZERO, also includes the first dedicated collection stream for sanitary textiles and diapers in Portugal.
When & where
- Ongoing pilot in Silves, Algarve: RFID-tagged door-to-door collection and dedicated sanitary-textiles stream
- Coverage varies by parish; ask the municipal environment office whether your household is included
What makes the Silves pilot different
- Tags on bins allow the waste operator to identify and temporarily reject bins that are contaminated with wrong materials: giving households immediate feedback
- Software links collection data to household accounts, enabling PAYT billing based on actual residual waste volumes
- The sanitary textiles stream runs alongside the standard fractions
How to engage
- If you live in Silves, ask the municipal environment office about the pilot coverage in your parish
- Follow ZERO for results and replication guidance for other Algarve municipalities
Source & repost
Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.
- National coordinator: ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável
- Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition