Digitalization and AI are transforming the waste management sector by optimizing collection routes, improving recycling processes, providing predictive maintenance and data analysis. These technologies enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support environmental sustainability. In the context of Portugal's PERSU 2030 plan, which aims to achieve higher recycling targets and sustainable waste management, there is an urgent need to develop innovative solutions based on digitalization, automatization and AI. 

Valorsul is a waste management company in Portugal, focused on the collection, treatment, and disposal of municipal solid waste of around 800.000 tons/year. It operates in the Lisbon and West regions, serving around 1,6 million inhabitants. Valorsul's operations include:  

• Waste Collection and Transport;  
• Waste Sorting, Treatment and Valorisation; 
• Environmental Monitoring;  
• Public Awareness and Education. 

• Increased efficiency;
• Enhanced accuracy;
• Cost reduction;
• Minimization of manual and arduous activities; 
• Better decision making;
• Adapting to Change;
• Addressing Labour Shortages.

• Waste characterization;
• New intelligent bins;
• Robots and AI;
• Data-Driven Decision Making;
• Digital twins;
• AI-powered imaging;
• Supply Chain Optimization;
• Block-chain based waste management;
• Customer Experience Enhancement;
• Lifecycle Assessment;
• Technologies for new streams sorting and valorisation (textile, wood and bulky waste – i.e. furniture, mattresses) 

• Development of pilots that allow easy integration into Valorsul's current processes.  

• For solutions that cannot be developed in Valorsul’s facilities, the pilot may be carried out outside Valorsul's facilities if the operational conditions are similar and the results of the pilot would be the same as if the solution was developed at Valorsul's facilities.

• The solution to be implemented must comply with current legal requirements. 

• 1 Waste-to-Energy Plant 
• 1 Bottom-Ash Treatment Plant 
• 2 Landfills 
• 2 Sorting Centers 
• 1 Organic Waste Treatment Plant 
• 10 Ecocenters 
• 7 Transfer stations 

Waste Collection and Transport: 

• Valorsul collects recyclable materials deposited by the population in containers made available for this purpose and transports them to its sorting centers. 
• Valorsul receives unsorted waste from municipalities in its transfer stations, which is then compacted and transported by Valorsul to various treatment facilities.

Waste Treatment: 

• Sorting Centers: Valorsul operates facilities where recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass) are separated and processed for recycling. 
• Organic Waste Treatment: Organic waste is treated through anaerobic digestion and composting. The produced compost is used for agricultural purposes, while biogas generated during anaerobic digestion is converted into electricity. 
• Waste-to-Energy Plant: Non-recyclable waste is incinerated to generate energy. This process reduces the volume of waste and produces electric energy, which is fed into national grid. 
• Bottom-ash Treatment Plant: The incineration bottom ash (IBA) is subject to the separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and the remaining recovered slag is kept under maturation to produce a certified aggregate that can be used as a road construction additive. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are recycled.   
• Landfill Management: Residual waste that cannot be recycled or treated is disposed in landfills. Valorsul ensures that these landfills comply with environmental regulations to minimize their impact on the environment. The company employs measures to capture and valorise landfill biogas into electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability: 

• Valorsul conducts continuous monitoring of its facilities and operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards and reduce the impact on its ecosystem. 
• The company invests in research and development to improve waste treatment technologies and enhance sustainability. 
• Valorsul is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to circular economy principles. 

Public Awareness and Education: 

• The company organizes campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to raise public awareness about waste reduction, recycling and environmental protection. 
• Valorsul collaborates with schools, community organizations, and businesses to promote sustainable waste management practices. 

Apply here.