Madeira Recovers Over 80% of Municipal Waste in 2024

In 2024, the Autonomous Region of Madeira reached a significant milestone in waste management: over 80% of municipal waste was directed to energy recovery, while only 1.5% was sent to landfill – a figure well below the national average.

According to the Annual Municipal Waste Report (RARU), prepared by the Regional Directorate for Environment and the Sea (DRAM), waste generation in the region exceeded 129,000 tonnes, representing an increase compared to 2023. Even so, the regional system managed to maintain high recovery levels, reducing environmental impact and aligning with the principles of the circular economy.

The region’s strategy also focuses on raising awareness and encouraging waste separation, particularly through public campaigns and innovative systems such as “Dá o Litro” and “Reembolso de Embalagens”. These projects aim to strengthen prevention, recycling, and the reduction of landfill use, in line with the objectives of Madeira’s 2030 Strategic Waste Plan.

The Regional Government highlights that this performance results from investment in modern waste management infrastructure and the ongoing drive to improve the efficiency of Madeira’s Waste Management System (SGRU), with the goal of ensuring sustainability, reducing emissions, and promoting the transition towards a more circular economy.

With this progress, Madeira positions itself as one of the country’s best-performing regions in municipal waste recovery, serving as a reference in meeting both national and European targets.