The environmental association Quercus contested the Government's decision to proceed with the construction of a waste incinerator in the Algarve, considering it an outdated solution that is ill-suited to the strong seasonal variations in waste production in the region. The position comes after the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, announced on August 8 the construction of an energy recovery plant for waste in the Algarve, intended to address the foreseeable exhaustion of the region's two landfills within two years.
Quercus argues that the energy recovery plant based on incineration goes against the principles of the circular economy and the objectives of PERSU 2030, warning about the emissions of polluting gases resulting from waste burning, which it considers superior to those associated with fossil fuels. The association believes that the 300 million euro investment in an incinerator runs counter to national targets for waste reduction and recycling.
The Algarve currently produces 400 thousand tonnes of waste per year, with 85% destined for landfills at risk of exhaustion by 2027. Quercus argues that the strong weight of the tourism sector is reflected in waste production and hinders proper processing during peak seasons, causing structural instability in the sector. The association argues that incineration is not designed for seasonal peaks and that the region should instead strengthen sorting and treatment capacity during critical months.
Quercus asked the Government to disclose the studies underlying the decision and accused the executive of lacking political will to consider less environmentally harmful alternatives. Among the proposals presented are high-efficiency door-to-door selective collection, the adoption of a Pay As You Throw taxation system, strengthening the capacity of existing mechanical and biological treatment facilities, and investing in municipal community and home composting projects.
