About the Open Innovation Program

Amarsul is responsible for the treatment and recovery of urban waste from the nine municipalities of the Setúbal Peninsula (Alcochete, Almada, Barreiro, Moita, Montijo, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra and Setúbal).

To fulfil its mission, Amarsul constantly improves its waste treatment and recovery processes, equipping its facilities with advanced technology. This ensures that the environmental sustainability objectives for the Setúbal Peninsula are met.

For the treatment and recovery of municipal waste from the Setúbal Peninsula, Amarsul has a range of infrastructure and equipment, namely three Ecoparks in Palmela, Seixal and Setúbal respectively, seven Ecocentres, an Eco-Transfer facility, a Composting Plant, an Organic Recovery Plant, a Mechanical Treatment Plant, a Biological Treatment Plant, two Biogas Energy Recovery Systems and a network of over 4,000 Ecopoints.

Amarsul is committed to environmental sustainability, constantly seeking to improve its operations and technologies to ensure the effective and environmentally friendly management of municipal waste. The company works to ensure that all processes meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Find out more about Amarsul: https://www.amarsul.pt/

Valorsul – Solid Waste Recovery and Treatment for the Lisbon and Western Regions, S.A. is the company responsible for the treatment and recovery of the approximately 950,000 tonnes of municipal waste produced each year in 19 municipalities in Greater Lisbon and the Western Region:

Alcobaça | Alenquer | Amadora | Arruda dos Vinhos | Azambuja | Bombarral | Cadaval | Caldas da Rainha | Lisbon | Loures | Lourinhã | Nazaré | Óbidos | Odivelas | Peniche | Rio Maior | Sobral de Monte Agraço | Torres Vedras | Vila Franca de Xira.

VALORSUL covers an area of 3,391 km². Its operational area accounts for less than 4 per cent of the country’s total area, but it recycles more than a fifth of all household waste produced in Portugal.

This immense quantity of waste is treated and recycled by Valorsul through a modern Integrated Urban Waste (RU) Management System tailored to the growth and composition of our urban waste.

Find out more about Valorsul: https://www.valorsul.pt/pt/

INDUSTRIAL PLANTS

Amarsul and Valorsul operations are supported by the following industrial facilities:

• 3 Sorting Centers
• 3 Organic Waste Treatment Plant (Anaerobic Digestion and Composting)
• 1 Mecanical and Biological Treatment Plant
• 1 Waste-to-Energy Plant
• 1 Bottom-Ash Treatment Plant
• 4 Landfills
• 15 Ecocenters
• 7 Transfer stations

AMARSUL AND VALORSUL OPERATIONAL PROCESSES DESCRIPTION

Waste Collection and Transport:

• Collection of recyclable materials deposited by citizens in dedicated collection containers and transportation to sorting facilities.
• Reception of mixed municipal waste from municipalities at transfer stations, where it is compacted and transported to the appropriate treatment and recovery facilities.

Waste Treatment:

• Sorting Centers: Amarsul and Valorsul operate facilities where recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass) are separated and processed for recycling.
• Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT): Treatment of mixed municipal waste through mechanical and biological processes to recover recyclable materials, stabilise the organic fraction, reduce waste volumes, and minimise the environmental impact of final disposal.
• Organic Waste Treatment: Organic waste is treated through anaerobic digestion and composting. The produced compost is used for agricultural purposes, while biogas generated during anaerobic digestion is converted into electricity.
• Waste-to-Energy Plant: The residual fraction of waste is incinerated to generate energy. This process reduces the volume of waste and produces electric energy, which is fed into national grid.
• Bottom-ash Treatment Plant: The incineration bottom ash (IBA) is subject to the separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and the remaining recovered slag is kept under maturation to produce a certified aggregate that can be used as a road construction additive. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are recycled.   
• Landfill Management: Residual waste that cannot be recycled or treated is disposed in landfills. Amarsul and Valorsul ensure that these landfills comply with environmental regulations to minimize their impact on the environment. The companies employ measures to capture and valorise landfill biogas into electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability:

• Amarsul and Valorsul conduct continuous monitoring of its facilities and operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards and reduce the impact on its ecosystem.
• The companies invest in research and development to improve waste treatment technologies and enhance sustainability.
• The companies are committed to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to circular economy principles.

Public Awareness and Education:

• The companies organize campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to raise public awareness about waste reduction, recycling and environmental protection.
• Amarsul and Valorsul collaborate with schools, community organizations, and businesses to promote sustainable waste management practices.