From June 26 to 28, the city of Aveiro will host a stop for the national campaign “Let’s separate the waste”, promoted by the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA). This initiative aims to raise public awareness regarding the proper sorting of urban waste, particularly during the summer months—a period that sees a significant increase in waste generation across Portugal.

The event will take place at Praça Marquês de Pombal and will feature a traveling truck—known as the “Roadshow”—that tours various cities across the country, offering environmental awareness activities for all age groups.

Over the three-day period, visitors can participate in various interactive activities, including a quiz on recycling and waste sorting, a sustainable consumption simulator that identifies each participant’s environmental profile, art workshops using recycled materials, and various games designed for families and children.

A key element of the campaign is the “Mural of Excuses,” a space displaying some of the most common reasons citizens give for failing to sort their waste correctly. The initiative aims to challenge the public to move past these excuses and adopt more responsible daily habits.

Summer is the time of year when the most waste is produced.

The campaign comes at a time when APA is highlighting a reality often unknown to the public: summer is the time of year when Portugal generates the most urban waste.

Data released by the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) indicate that, between June and September 2025, over 1.8 million tons of urban waste were produced. In August alone, more than 480,000 tons of waste were recorded, making it the month with the highest annual output.

According to APA, the increase in travel, outdoor activities, vacations, and consumption associated with the summer season contributes to this rise in waste generation, making it essential to reinforce recycling habits and the proper sorting of materials.

José Pimenta Machado, president of the Portuguese Environmental Agency, emphasizes that “contrary to common belief, summer is consistently the period of highest waste generation in Portugal,” adding that the campaign aims to engage communities in addressing an issue that requires the contribution of every citizen.

Campaign visits several districts

After Aveiro, the roadshow will travel to other Portuguese cities, including Braga, Castelo Branco, Évora, and Portimão. The “Let’s separate the waste” campaign runs until the end of 2026 and is part of a broader set of communication and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at promoting more sustainable urban waste management and increasing recycling rates in Portugal.

Schedule in Aveiro
June 26 (Friday): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
June 27 (Saturday): 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
June 28 (Sunday): 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Participation is free and open to the general public.

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