The Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) has launched the “Let’s separate the waste” summer campaign, featuring a traveling roadshow designed to raise awareness about the peak in urban waste generation. The initiative covers six districts—from Braga to Portimão—between June and July.

Between June and September 2025, Portugal generated over 1.8 million tons of urban waste, with August recording the highest volume. The APA identifies July and August as the most critical months for waste generation.

The initiative visits various cities over the course of 18 days, promoting proper waste sorting to facilitate recycling. The roadshow includes educational activities and a mural displaying common excuses for not sorting waste correctly.

Awareness-raising roadshow

The traveling truck visits Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, Castelo Branco, Évora, and Portimão, with stops scheduled for June 19–21, June 26–28, July 3–5, July 10–12, July 17–19, and July 24–26, respectively.

Operating hours are Fridays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The campaign will continue to run until the end of 2026.

Objectives and activities

The initiative aims to raise awareness about proper waste sorting at home and while out and about. Activities include a recycling quiz, a sustainable consumption simulator, and art workshops using recycled materials.

The roadshow also features activities for families and educational games. The campaign seeks to engage communities across the country, from the Algarve to the Minho region.

About the APA

APA is Portugal’s main environmental regulator, with responsibilities covering monitoring, planning, licensing, and enforcement. The agency employs approximately 1,100 professionals and operates an accredited laboratory network, coordinating policies on the environment and sustainable development.

Source