Collection model:
Source-separated bio-waste collected mainly through home and community composting systems implemented across participating municipalities.
Treatment model:
Decentralised composting at community composting centres, home composting units and small composting facilities; compost used locally for agriculture, gardening and municipal landscaping.
Key elements:
Plan Revitaliza programme promoting local management of the organic fraction; network of community composting sites and home composters; trained “master composters” supporting operation and monitoring; provision of bulking material (wood chips); smartphone-based monitoring of composting sites; strong institutional coordination by the Pontevedra Provincial Council.
Evidence of success:
(2016–2019 data) >2,000 t of bio-waste locally composted during the first years of implementation; progressive rollout across municipalities since 2016; improved compost quality and reduced transport and treatment costs.
Awareness and engagement:
Strong communication strategy including programme branding (Plan Revitaliza), citizen engagement campaigns, training programmes and workshops; continuous support and education provided by trained master composters to participating communities.
Galicia, Spain
Scale: Inter-municipal
Demographic type: Urban / peri-urban
Population: ~960,000 inh. (2019)
Organisation in charge: Pontevedra Provincial Council (Deputación de Pontevedra)
Source:
SIRCLES (2022): Guideline of Best Practices for Successful bio-waste Recycling.
Zero Waste Europe (2019) – The Story of Pontevedra (Revitaliza Programme) Case Study.