The new reality: Mandatory bio-waste separation
Portugal—like all EU countries—must ensure the separate collection of bio-waste. For companies, this means food waste can no longer be tossed in with general rubbish. The law is clear: businesses must sort their food waste at the source, and municipalities are obliged to provide collection services for small producers, while larger ones can contract private operators.
Yet, the reality on the ground is still catching up. In Lisbon and other major cities, many companies and restaurants are still adapting. Enforcement is tightening, with landfill taxes rising to €35 per tonne in 2025 (and even higher for recyclable waste over €55 per tonne). Municipalities that don’t meet collection targets face penalties, and companies that don’t comply risk higher costs and fines.
What does this mean for your business or municipality?
- Compliance is not optional: The law applies to all companies producing food waste. Separate collection is mandatory, and the authorities are ramping up enforcement.
- Costs are rising: Landfilling food waste is becoming more expensive, and the financial pressure will only increase as Portugal works to hit EU recycling targets.
- Reputation matters: Customers, inhabitants, and regulators are watching. Companies that ignore the law risk not just fines, but also damage trust.
Despite the legal framework, actual implementation of separate bio-waste collection is still inconsistent across Portugal, with significant gaps in awareness and infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Portugal’s recycling rate remains below the 2025 EU target, and new calculation rules may further lower reported rates.
How to get up to speed?
- Audit your food waste streams: Understand how much food waste you generate and where it comes from.
- Implement source separation: Set up clear, well-labeled bins and train staff to separate food waste from other materials so it can be recycled, and other streams are not contaminated by food waste.
- Engage with your municipality or a private collector: Ensure regular, compliant collection of your separated bio-waste.
And there’s a smarter and faster way—one that goes beyond compliance and turns your food waste into value.
The on-site solution: Containerized Waste Transformer biodigesters for urban operations
Imagine if your company or municipality could transform food waste into a certified, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer—right on site. That’s exactly what a Waste Transformer biodigester does. Besides the circular fertilizer it also produces clean renewable energy right on-site, co-powering your operations.
Inspiration from the Johan Cruijff ArenA football stadium
At the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most sustainable stadiums, all food waste is processed on site in a Waste Transformer. The result? Liquid natural fertilizer that’s been extensively tested and is now certified for use on professional sport fields, replacing the polluting chemical sport fertilizers. This closed-loop system not only reduces food waste and emissions, but also creates a valuable resource for local parks, gardens, and agriculture, and extensive opportunities for showing positive impact and storytelling.
Why this matters for Portugal?
Portugal faces increasingly long, dry periods. Fresh water is scarce, but irrigation is essential—especially for nurseries, vineyards, and olive groves. The certified natural liquid fertilizer produced by a Waste Transformer is a game-changer: it comes in liquid form, contains balanced nutrients and lots of water, and can be used for both irrigation and fertilization at the same time. This means:
- Efficient use of water: Fertilize and irrigate in one step, saving labor, water and resources.
- Local, circular economy: Turn your food waste into a product that supports local agriculture and green spaces.
- Compliance and beyond: Meet legal requirements while demonstrating leadership in sustainability.
Financing: Making the transition easy
Worried about the upfront investment? Waste Transformer biodigesters can be financed with monthly installments, making it easy to spread the cost over several years. This means you can start valorizing your food waste immediately, without straining your cash flow.
Turn obligation into opportunity
Portugal’s new bio-waste law is here to stay. But with the right approach, your company can do more than just comply—you can lead. By installing Waste Transformer biodigesters, you’ll not only meet legal requirements, but also unlock new value from your food waste, support local agriculture and keep the municipality green, and help solve Portugal’s water and sustainability challenges.
Ready to turn your food waste into a resource? Let’s make it happen—together.
Schedule a call with our team today or make an appointment to visit our Waste Transformer ADX5 biodigester near Porto, Portugal.
