A notable increase in bio-waste from establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, educational canteens, and social institutions has contributed to these figures. According to the municipality, this growth reflects the success of a sustainability strategy implemented over recent years to improve waste management.

“For over a decade, the city has been working to make Aveiro an increasingly environmentally responsible municipality. Last year’s figures prove the success of this commitment by the council, and these good results are due to the fundamental contribution of the people of Aveiro, who contribute daily to improving the collection and recycling of waste in the municipality”, said Mayor José Ribau Esteves.

In 2024, Aveiro recorded a recycling rate of 17.87 percent, a marked increase from 13.69 percent in 2023 and 7.92 percent in 2018. Overall, the total volume of urban waste collected in 2024 was 41,776 tonnes, up by 1,513 tonnes from 2023. This increase in waste production was largely diverted to selective waste, as undifferentiated waste fell by over 2,200 tonnes between 2018 and 2024, thanks to effective environmental policies.

The introduction of door-to-door waste collection also boosted figures. In 2024, 2,357 tonnes were collected, double the amount from 2023. Bio-waste collection saw a similar rise, from 406 tonnes in 2023 to 1,048 tonnes in 2024. More than 5,500 homes and 331 HORECA establishments are now part of the door-to-door collection system, operated in collaboration with ERSUC and Veolia.