Separate collection of packaging waste: Characterization and impacts

This study evaluates separate collection rate of packaging waste in the coastal area of the “Centro” region of Portugal, where collection is based on road-side waste containers. The area comprises 42 municipalities and the collection system of two waste management companies were studied: ERSUC and VALORLIS. In 2015, the average separate collection rate was 7.6% (30.7 kg person⁻¹ year⁻¹), in ERSUC, and 7.7% (29.2 kg person⁻¹ year⁻¹), in VALORLIS. Furthermore, separate collection rates varied significantly between municipalities, ranging from 4.5% to 12.6% of the total waste generated. Recyclables in unsorted waste represent a significant economic and environmental burden, and municipalities could save 8.1 million euros per year and avoid the emission of 86 thousand tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The implementation of door-to-door collection and adoption of variable waste tariffs are further efforts required to increase separate collection rate, in order to achieve national targets.