Regional Government investment improves waste management capabilities on Faial Island, highlights José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, opened today the restructuring of the Waste Processing Centre (CPR) on the island of Faial.

This is an investment of €1,014,678.08, including VAT, aimed at improving the waste management capabilities of the island of Faial, including the creation of specific composting areas for bio-waste from selective collection and the purchase of equipment.

"We have an image to preserve in terms of this symbol representing the identity of the Azores, which is sustainability," said José Manuel Bolieiro at the opening.

The Faial Waste Processing Centre has been in operation since 2015. In 2018, its concession was granted to the company Resiaçores, which also manages the Waste Processing Centres on the islands of Corvo, Flores, Pico and Santa Maria.

The President of the Regional Government also pointed out that the Region is "on its way to successfully meeting the European Union's ambitious targets for recycling, reusing and processing waste as a resource."

The implementation of bio-waste selective collection systems is crucial for the Circular Economy, which promotes the closing of the material cycle and guarantees the quality of recyclables. In 2019, biodegradable municipal waste accounted for 47.81% of undifferentiated municipal waste in the Azores, demonstrating the importance of this initiative.

The Azores Strategic Waste Management Plan (PEGRA) has been a vital tool for defining structured waste management strategies, and addressing existing gaps and problems.

The Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action also held a training session on composting in the newly created area, reinforcing the importance of collaboration among all those involved in the waste management process.

"Fortunately, we have achieved an increasing civic literacy among citizens towards this environmental approach," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro on the sidelines of the event.

The Azores are internationally recognised for their environmental quality, and the modernisation of Waste Processing Centres is essential for the sustainable development of the Region.

"We are in a value chain that brings everyone together," he said, stressing his commitment to a sustainable future that balances social and economic development with environmental protection.