Regional Government hosts environmental awareness campaign on equipment and battery management - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presided over the launch of the campaign "A New Life for Hope - Where are the Batteries and WEEE?" at the Cáritas da Ilha Terceira premises in Angra do Heroísmo.

"Promoted annually by the European Recycling Platform (ERP) Portugal, this campaign plays a crucial role in raising awareness in our society about the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries," emphasised Alonso Miguel.

"This initiative stands out for its significant environmental contributions by promoting the responsible disposal of this type of waste, thereby reducing the risk of soil, water, and atmospheric contamination. It also has important social implications, as it combines this mission with a charitable cause in an innovative manner," he continued.

Alonso Miguel highlighted the importance of managing specific waste streams, such as electrical and electronic equipment and batteries, noting that they "continue to represent a significant challenge for the country and, in particular, for the Autonomous Region of the Azores."

He stressed that "it is essential to educate and inform society that even simple actions, such as correctly disposing of small household appliances, electric toys, or used batteries at appropriate collection points, can make a significant difference." He added that "initiatives like this campaign, promoted by ERP Portugal in the Azores in collaboration with the Regional Government, Cáritas Diocesana dos Açores, and Okeana Ambiente, play a vital role in this effort."

The Regional Secretary acknowledged that "ever greater challenges" lie ahead in terms of waste prevention and management. "For this reason, it is essential to continue the work already underway in the Region and strengthen our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness and education, which can change attitudes and behaviours."

Alonso Miguel noted that the launch of this campaign by ERP Portugal on Terceira Island "aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental education in the Azores and recognizes the progress made in this area within the Region."

He took the opportunity to highlight "the significant efforts made by the Regional Government in legislative production." He referenced the approval of the new Strategic Programme for the Prevention and Management of Waste in the Azores (PEPGRA 20+) in 2023, as well as the revision of the General Scheme for the Prevention and Management of Waste and the Regulations for the Management of Specific Waste Streams in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Alonso Miguel also recalled that the Regional Government created the Roadmap for the Regional Circular Economy, which "has led to the development of a Circular Economy Agenda for the Azores. This agenda has been finalised and is currently in the approval phase, aiming to adapt the new Circular Economy Action Plan—one of the pillars of the European Green Deal—to our Region."

He mentioned other significant projects for improving waste management in the Azores, such as the restructuring of regional Waste Processing Centres to facilitate selective collection of bio-waste, representing an investment of more than six million Euros. He added that "around three million Euros is also planned for modernizing recycling processes in these facilities, beginning in 2025."

"Two innovative Interreg Mac projects focused on the circular economy also commenced this year, namely the TEXTIL project, which centres on textile waste recovery, and the Circular Ocean Project, dedicated to reducing marine litter," he said.

Alonso Miguel pointed out "the success of implementing the deposit system for non-reusable beverage packaging in the Azores, with an investment of two million Euros. This initiative has resulted in the collection of over 17 million packages in just over two years."

"With all these efforts, the effective collaboration and coordination among all entities responsible for waste management, and the vital contributions from society and each Azorean, we have ensured that our Region is making positive strides in waste management," stated the Regional Secretary.

He concluded that "Azoreans have displayed a growing awareness of environmental issues. Initiatives like the campaign for equipment and battery disposal are crucial  to maintain this positive trajectory towards achieving the ultimate goal of ensuring the Region's sustainable development."