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Description
The issue of the project is to implement a deposit and incentive system for the consumer to return the non-reusable beverage packaging, made of plastic, metal and glass, in the entire archipelago of Azores. The project objective is based on the acquisition of 25 reverse vending machines, designed for the deposit of non-reusable beverage packaging, to be installed in all 9 islands of the Azores archipelago, due to the territorial dispersion and guaranteeing at least one machine per municipality.
Summary of project results
In summary, the goal of this project focused on promoting the environmental quality of
ecosystems and reducing the adverse effects of pollution and other human activities, so that
currently one of the major concerns of the Azores Government, through the Regional Secretariat
of Environment and Climate Change, focuses on contributing to the adoption of a circular
economy model.
The deposit system for non-reusable beverage packaging was implemented, given the concern
in maintaining the focus on quantitative and qualitative waste prevention, combined with a
reduction in the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. So, there was an
increase in the amount of packaging waste sent for material recovery, as well as the quality of
the material that reaches the recycling industries, allowing to save the extraction of natural
resources and produce safer recycled products.
The project presented the following strenghts:
- Great adherence of the population; Increase in the quantity and quality of waste sent for recycling; Reduction of abandoned beverage packaging waste; Great commitment and involvement of all partners; Good response in terms of equipment operation and maintenance, even under heavy use.
The project presented the following weaknesses:
- Few equipment and with little storage capacity; Logistical difficulties in emptying the equipment; Abusive use of the system by citizens in conditions of social hardship; Abusive use of the system by citizens in conditions of social hardship.