The Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) issued a warning today regarding the urgent need for proper waste sorting during the summer holidays—a period when the highest volume of urban waste is generated, totaling nearly two million tons.

To mark the start of summer, the APA is touring six districts across the country with an information and awareness-raising initiative as part of its “Let’s separate the waste” campaign, which launched earlier this year. The agency highlights that waste generation peaks during this season, with August being the worst month.

Last year, between June and September, over 1.8 million tons of urban waste were produced; August alone accounted for more than 480,000 tons, the APA noted in a statement released today. With July and August being the most critical months, this new phase of the campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for proper waste sorting—even while on vacation—and to promote responsible behavior.

“During this seasonal period, when families and friends gather—whether at home or while out and about—proper waste sorting should not be neglected, so as to reduce environmental impact,” the APA emphasized in the statement. The new “Let’s separate the waste” campaign initiative features a traveling truck that serves as a base for activities inviting communities to reflect on the importance of waste sorting.

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