In 2024, ERSUC recorded a 5% increase in the selective collection of packaging (plastic/metal, paper/cardboard, and glass) compared to 2023, totaling 49,349 tons of recyclables from selective collection at recycling points, door-to-door collection, deliveries to recycling centers, and collections at eco-events.
The growth was widespread across all three categories. Plastic and metal registered the largest increase, with a 7% rise, totaling 12,474 tons. Paper/cardboard rose 6%, reaching 16,939 tons, while glass saw a 2% increase, totaling 19,937 tons.
Each inhabitant within the ERSUC intervention area contributed to the fact that by the end of 2024, it was possible to send materials for recycling that allow for the production or saving of very significant resources. In terms of paper/cardboard, this translates to the saving of 254,000 trees, and in the case of glass, it allows for the production of approximately 57 million 0.75-liter bottles.
Greater participation from the population, actions by the municipalities, and consistent investment in vehicles, containers, facilities, and environmental education have allowed ERSUC to increase the amount of materials recovered and subsequently sent to the recycling industry.
On the ground, ERSUC has a network of 5,953 collection points distributed across its 36 municipalities, reaching a density of 159 inhabitants per collection point. This is complemented by a door-to-door collection service, as well as incentive programs for separation and recycling in schools and institutions. Thus, aiming to meet recycling targets and improve service quality, ERSUC invested in 118 new recycling points in its area of operation, in addition to replacement points, representing a 2% increase compared to 2023.
With this growth, ERSUC thanks the population, municipalities, and its employees for their contribution and commitment in positioning the region as a benchmark in recycling, seeking to reciprocate with increasingly better service that meets their needs and expectations.
About ERSUC
ERSUC covers an area of 6,700 km2 (7.9% of the national territory) and serves a population of approximately one million inhabitants.
ERSUC's mission is to provide excellent service in waste management operations within its competence, based on pillars of economic, environmental, and social sustainability and the principles of the circular economy.
The system includes 36 municipalities: Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Alvaiázere, Anadia, Ansião, Arganil, Arouca, Aveiro, Cantanhede, Castanheira de Pera, Coimbra, Condeixa-a-Nova, Estarreja, Figueira da Foz, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Góis, Ílhavo, Lousã, Mealhada, Mira, Miranda do Corvo, Montemor-o-Velho, Murtosa, Oliveira de Azeméis, Oliveira do Bairro, Ovar, Pampilhosa da Serra, Pedrógão Grande, Penacova, Penela, São João da Madeira, Sever do Vouga, Soure, Vagos, Vale de Cambra and Vila Nova de Poiares.
ERSUC – Resíduos Sólidos do Centro, S.A. is certified in Quality, Environment, Safety and Asset Management.