In 2024, Madeira produced 129,110 tons of urban waste, but only a small share was kept out of landfill. About 17,000 tons were diverted, while roughly 112,000 tons ended up at the Meia Serra waste station. That means the island’s selective collection rate for recycling between 2023 and 2024 was about 17%, well below Portugal’s 70% national target for 2030. Authorities say Madeira still has very low levels of waste separation, despite the growing volume of urban waste. Domestic organic waste was the weakest area, with only 4% of total production recycled. Glass performed better, with around 63% recovered, while paper and cardboard reached only 25% and plastic between 15% and 16%. Even so, officials note that these figures remain below national and European expectations, and Madeira has set a 2030 recycling target of just 22%, far under Portugal’s goal.
