Recyclable waste volumes have risen again, reaching a total of 33,368 tonnes of separately collected materials
In 2025, Suldouro recorded solid growth in separate collection, reaching a total of 33,368 tonnes of recyclable materials – an increase of 7.5% compared to 2024. This result reflects the joint efforts of the local population and the commitment of various local institutions, notably the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Santa Maria da Feira, as well as their respective parish councils, combined with the operational work carried out by Suldouro.
One of the highlights of 2025 was the consolidation of the ‘Reciclagem à Porta’ project, the system that allows residents to sort their waste at home, using dedicated bins that are collected by Suldouro according to a pre-defined schedule. In 2025, this model grew once again, reaching around 2.5% and exceeding 10,500 tonnes collected, cementing its position as one of the pillars of these results. Since 2014, Door-to-Door Recycling has completely transformed the recycling landscape in the region, now accounting for over 40% of the packaging collected.
Among the materials received and sorted, Suldouro recorded significant increases in paper and cardboard, which exceeded 9,000 tonnes (+1.9%), and a stabilisation at high levels for plastic and metal (+0.5%). Glass also maintained a significant volume, exceeding 9,000 tonnes. Other collection systems, such as voluntary drop-offs at recycling centres, also made a significant contribution to the overall result.
In addition to selective collection, environmental indicators for recovery also showed improvements: in 2025, Suldouro produced over 17,000 MWh of energy from biogas recovery — enough, approximately, to supply more than 5,000 households for a year — and also increased the production of organic fertiliser, which reached 2,401 tonnes, reinforcing the company’s contribution to the circular economy and the recovery of organic resources present in waste.
Environmental Education as a pillar for more responsible behaviour
Among the various areas of activity, the collection of packaging as part of Environmental Education Campaigns deserves particular mention, having performed very well in 2025. The impact was evident in the quantities collected and, above all, in the mobilisation of the local community. Throughout the year, Suldouro carried out over a hundred awareness-raising initiatives, notably in dozens of schools, engaging directly with more than 5,000 pupils, teachers and education professionals. The activities carried out helped to improve waste management in schools and at home, encouraging more responsible behaviour from an early age.
As part of these campaigns — with particular emphasis on Ecovalor, aimed at the school community, and Toneladas de Ajuda, aimed at private social solidarity institutions — Suldouro provided around €50,000 in matching funds to schools and institutions in the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Santa Maria da Feira that took part in the programmes and made additional efforts to sort and recycle their waste. This contribution reinforces Suldouro’s commitment to local development and the promotion of a more informed and engaged community.
Suldouro reaffirms its ambition to continue growing sustainably, working side by side with the local population, institutions and the educational community to make better use of resources and promote an environmentally responsible region.