José Manuel Bolieiro opened restructuring of Waste Processing Centre on Pico Island
Madalena
Presidência do Governo Regional
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening of the restructuring of the Waste Processing Centre (CPR) on the island of Pico, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel. This is the sixth and final waste centre to be refurbished as part of an overall investment of more than six million Euros.
The work at the Pico CPR included the construction of a metal-framed building of about 500 square metres for the deposit and processing of organic waste as part of a selective composting process. The specific investment for upgrading this centre was approximately 850 thousand Euros, covering the infrastructure construction and the purchase of new machinery.
At the ceremony, the head of the Azorean Government emphasised the importance of turning waste into resources in the context of the circular economy, calling for citizens' active participation.
"Separating and recovering waste is crucial to minimising environmental impacts and achieving ambitious targets. This investment modernises the centres and brings dignity to the work of those who operate these infrastructures," he stressed.
He also emphasised that the Regional Government has been working in conjunction with municipalities to ensure efficient collection and achieve the environmental goals it has set. The restructuring of the six waste processing centres is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve waste management in the Region.
José Manuel Bolieiro also praised the progress made, revealing that the island of Pico has already exceeded the targets set by the European Union for 2025.
"The Azores have not only met but exceeded European environmental targets. In the case of Pico, we are already above the target set for 2025, which is a source of pride for everyone," he pointed out.
The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the need to continue promoting waste separation among the population, reinforcing the importance of environmental literacy.
"Without the commitment of citizens, any strategy would be insufficient. We need everyone's collaboration to make the Azores a benchmark in sustainability," he concluded.
The refurbishment of this centre closes the cycle of interventions carried out in Santa Maria, Flores, São Jorge, Faial, Graciosa and now Pico, consolidating the waste management infrastructure in the archipelago.
The ceremony was also attended by Catarina Manito, president of the Association of Municipalities of Pico Island (AMIP) and mayor of Madalena, who underlined the importance of this investment for the sustainable development of this island.
