"There has been a slight increase in recycling and composting and a small move away from incineration and landfill, incineration (with energy use) represents 21%, while deposit in landfill sites accounts for 49%," more than the 28% average in the European Union (EU), according to the analysis of the application of European environmental rules.

"In this context, effective management of waste remains unsatisfactory in Portugal," concluded the assessment by the Environment Office, of the European Commission (EC), which covers air quality, waste management, water quality and protection of nature and biodiversity.

The report points to a lack of incentives for waste management, a lack of administrative coordination, insufficient selective waste collection door to door, and systems for expanded producer responsibility.