Isabel Félix

LIPOR, Portugal

Title: Driving Circular Economy Through Effective Source Separation: Insights from LIPOR’s STSWM Initiative

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Biography

Abstract

Efficient source separation of solid waste is essential for driving circular economy practices and reducing the environmental footprint of urban areas. Despite technological progress, institutions often lack the operational guidance, infrastructure, and behavioral tools needed to implement effective separation systems. Source separation is a cornerstone of modern solid waste management systems, enabling higher recycling rates, improved material quality, and reduced environmental impacts. LIPOR developed the STSWM (Specialized Technical Support in Waste Management) program to fill this gap by providing specialized support and standardized methodologies that enable organizations to transition toward sustainable waste practices (Leal Filho, et al, 2019).

STSWM is structured into four operational phases: Diagnostic Assessment, a detailed characterization of the institution's waste streams, existing practices, spatial constraints, collection logistics, and behavioral patterns; Implementation, introduction or reconfiguration of selective collection infrastructure, including appropriate bin sizing, labeling, spatial layout optimization, and integration with municipal collection services; Training and Awareness-Raising, Capacity-building actions directed at staff, students, or other stakeholders. Activities include workshops, campaigns, tailored educational materials, and operational briefings; Monitoring and Long-Term Support, Periodic audits, performance monitoring, feedback reports, and corrective recommendations to ensure long-lasting improvement (LIPOR, 2024).

In 2024, LIPOR’s STSWM program achieved significant results in solid waste management. A total of 4,200 selective collection containers were installed, including 70 specialized containers for specific waste types, such as batteries. At the same time, 1,200 residual waste bins were removed or repurposed, optimizing the existing infrastructure. The program enabled the recovery of 4,430 tons of recyclable and organic waste, avoiding approximately 2,927 tons of CO?-equivalent emissions. In terms of awareness and training, 44,600 individuals were reached through educational campaigns, and 2,600 staff members received specialized training. These results reflect both the physical reconfiguration of waste systems and the strengthening of institutional capacity to manage waste streams more effectively.

Beyond infrastructure and outreach indicators, the implementation of STSWM led to substantial improvements in source separation performance across all material streams. Contamination rates declined consistently in residual waste as well as in recyclable and organic fractions, indicating a significant improvement in sorting accuracy and disposal behavior. These qualitative gains were accompanied by a redistribution of waste flows, with a marked reduction in mixed residual waste and increased capture of recyclable and bio-waste streams.

Consequently, the overall separation rate more than doubled following the intervention, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted technical and behavioral support in improving system performance. A comparative analysis by institutional type, summarized in Table 1, reveals differentiated responses to the intervention.