Portugal's urban waste rose to 5.667 million tonnes in 2025
The environment agency's annual report records a 2.11% rise in urban waste and a 39% preparation-for-reuse and recycling rate, below the 55% target for 2025.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026National percentages do not explain an individual municipality's collection service. Residents should separate waste according to local instructions and verify the bio-waste option where they live.
- Portugal produced 5.667 million tonnes of urban waste in 2025, 2.11% more than in 2024.
- The preparation-for-reuse and recycling rate was 39%, against a 55% target for 2025.
- The report covers Portugal and contains detailed results for mainland waste-management systems and municipalities.
Waste grew while the recycling target was missed
The RARU 2025 report brings together official prevention and management data. The 39% indicator is a national performance measure; it is not the same as saying that 39% of every household's bin was recycled.
A 16-percentage-point gap to the 55% target indicates a system-level challenge involving collection, sorting, treatment and the design of local services. The report should be read alongside the result for the relevant municipality or waste-management system.
Local collection rules still decide the household action
Packaging, glass, paper, food waste and residual waste can use different containers, bags, schedules or door-to-door arrangements. A method available in one municipality may not exist in the next.
Check the municipality or waste operator for the correct container and collection day. For bulky, electrical, hazardous or construction waste, use the dedicated official channel rather than leaving it beside communal bins.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check your municipality's current separation rules.
- 02
Find the local bio-waste collection option before disposing of food waste.
- 03
Use the official collection point for waste that does not belong in street bins.
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