Two decades leading the circular economy

ERP Portugal celebrates key milestone

On its 20th anniversary, ERP Portugal, which operates PROs for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste batteries, is celebrating a legacy of commitment, innovation and measurable impact in environmental sustainability.

Since it was founded on 13 May 2005, ERP Portugal has collected 271,000 tonnes of WEEE and 8,000 tonnes of waste batteries (equivalent to nearly 28 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower).

Steady growth and market leadership

Over two decades, the company has consolidated its market presence and emerged as a trusted leader in waste management.

In 2006, the company held an 18.6% market share for WEEE, which had more than doubled to around 40% by 2024.

For waste batteries, impressive growth has seen its market share rise from approximately 10% in 2010 to over 50% today.

This trajectory reflects the increasing trust of a growing network of 1,603 members, underscoring the organisation’s robust operational performance and stakeholder engagement.

Rosa Monforte, ERP Portugal general manager, emphasises the organisation’s trailblazing role:

“Over these two decades, ERP Portugal has been a pioneer in WEEE management, in promoting the circular economy and in protecting the environment in Portugal.

Our success is the result of the trust of the companies, partners, waste management operators and community with whom we have been working and, of course, the tireless dedication of our team.”

Innovative education and community engagement

Beyond its operational achievements, ERP Portugal has distinguished itself through wide-reaching public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

Platforms such as eureciclo.pt have made it easier to find 9,500+ nationwide collection points, giving citizens the information they need to dispose of waste electronics and batteries correctly.

Flagship projects such as Geração Depositrão, now in its 18th year, continue to instil environmental responsibility in young people through school-based activities.

And, at the municipal level, the initiative Junta na Freguesia, developed in collaboration with local governments, facilitates community-level waste collection through the installation of dedicated collection points for e-waste and batteries.

Looking Forward: Transformarium and beyond

In a strong statement of its future vision, ERP Portugal — together with the packaging PRO, Novo Verde — launched Transformarium earlier this year (see article here).

This pioneering awareness centre uses augmented reality and video mapping technologies to engage children in immersive, hands-on learning about waste separation and the importance of the circular economy.

Aimed at fostering environmental literacy from an early age, Transformarium represents the next chapter in ERP Portugal’s educational outreach.

A future-focused mission

The organisation remains deeply committed to supporting R&D, promoting environmental education, and working collaboratively with public and private stakeholders to accelerate Portugal’s transition to a circular economy.

“We recognise that environmental challenges are increasingly urgent and that is why ERP Portugal reaffirms its commitment to continue leading the transition to a circular economy,” says Monforte.

After 20 years of leadership, ERP Portugal stands as a model of what sustained dedication, innovation and community partnership can achieve in the realm of environmental sustainability.

Find out more here.