Network of Collection Points for garments, textiles and footwear and toys reaches seven islands of the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated on Corvo Island that the Network of Collection Points for garments, textiles, footwear and toys reaches the seven islands of the archipelago where the Government built Waste Processing Centres.
"This is another measure that reinforces the right path that the Government of the Azores has set out. Last year, it carried out a series of actions aimed at reducing waste production, such as awareness campaigns for reuse of garments, organic waste composting, use of disposable diapers, management of agricultural waste and plant protection products, and the fight against food waste; the latter included training courses directed to restaurants.
The Secretary for the Environment folder spoke at the launch of this network, held during the Government's statutory visit. The ceremony was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity, Andreia Cardoso.
"The actions carried out by the Regional Government demonstrates the Government's commitment to the prevention of waste production by removing these products from the waste chain and promoting their reuse. They also mirror a policy that has increasingly yielded better and consistent results," said the government official.
"The acquisition of 18 specific containers for this purpose ensures, at least, one container per municipality on the seven least populated islands." This network "intends to give a second life to these products as, once they enter into the waste chain, they are not recovered and end up being disposed of in landfills or incinerators," added Marta Guerreiro.
The articles deposited in the containers will be collected by social solidarity institutions. This initiative is "the result of joint work with the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity, which will be responsible for their referral to the identified institutions or families." It will allow recovery of garments through the reuse of fabrics and minor repairs, forwarding those that cannot be recovered to the appropriate final destination.
At the occasion, the Regional Secretary highlighted the organisation of the 8th Azores Waste Week from November 18-26 under the motto "Reusing&Recovering - Give a new life!"
"The actions included in this initiative are primarily intended to raise awareness for the correct management of waste and disseminate the different types of waste processing and final destination. They also call for the importance of prevention in order to minimise its production," said Marta Guerreiro.