The increase in urban waste worldwide challenges environmental sustainability and highlights the urgent need for more efficient recycling systems. The need to reduce this waste is becoming increasingly urgent!
With this in mind, Sotkon—an international company that designs, manufactures and sells underground containers for urban waste—set out to find solutions, starting with Portugal, the company’s domestic market.
According to official APA (Portuguese Environment Agency) data, although the recycling rate in the country has increased over the last two decades, the volume of waste sent to landfills remains high. Given the European target of reducing the total waste to landfill to less than 10% by 2035, these figures are worrying.
In 2024, Sotkon sponsored a survey conducted by Intercampus – a market research company – with 602 participants. This survey revealed a population concerned about environmental impact but still facing challenges to recycle. Among the main challenges mentioned are the lack of recycling containers and the need for incentives (particularly financial ones).
The study also reaches other conclusions that may point to ways forward, particularly in the application of PAYT (Pay As You Throw), SAYT (Save As You Throw), and RAYT (Reward As You Throw) concepts. Most of the people surveyed support a tariff based on the amount of waste deposited and think that recycling would go up if it helped lower that tariff.
And so Sotkon realized that the transformation of recycling can greatly benefit from technological advances. The application of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and computer vision has the potential to revolutionize the efficiency of waste management.
Countries such as Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, and Georgia use underground containers combined with Sotkon’s smart solutions, based on AI and IoT, and have generated positive results that contributed significantly to a more efficient waste management.
However, technology alone will not be enough if there is no change in citizens’ mindsets. According to the same survey, many people still believe that recycling should be the responsibility of companies and governments. Environmental awareness, from early childhood education to information campaigns for adults, plays a crucial role in promoting a more responsible attitude. The introduction of apps to monitor people’s own recycling habits can help the population understand their impact, offering rewards in public services for those who recycle more and more often.
We know now that the future of recycling depends on a combination of technology, effective policies, and environmental education. The application of emerging technologies can make the recycling process more efficient, but it is essential that these innovations are accessible to the entire population. The implementation of PAYT policies, and the use of apps and software to monitor recycling habits, offer practical ways to encourage participation, but additional support policies need to be implemented to ensure adequate behaviors across all regions. Environmental awareness must begin in schools and continue throughout adulthood.
The transition to a circular economy is one of the most urgent goals, and the active involvement of every citizen is crucial.
In short, the future of recycling lies in the hands of a population that, equipped with technology and encouraged by circular policies, can build a more sustainable future, a cleaner planet, and a more conscious society.
Recycling should not be seen as an obligation, but rather as an opportunity to make a difference.
Curious to dive deeper into the future of recycling and discover how technology and awareness can transform waste management? Read the full article: https://sotkon.com/en/news/archive/future-of-waste-management/
With 30 years of experience, Sotkon Group develops, manufactures, and sells underground containers for urban waste, recognized for safety, durability, and design. Present in over 20 countries across 4 continents, Sotkon’s solutions integrate advanced technologies to improve waste separation, boost recycling rates, and enhance urban living. Dedicated to reliability and innovation, Sotkon is shaping smarter, cleaner cities.
