Organised by Zero – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável and the Spanish association Composta en Red, the 2nd Iberian Meeting on Decentralised Composting is scheduled for 7 and 8 May in Alentejo city.

According to Zero, the event, which is free to attend but requires mandatory registration, aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge, networking opportunities, and exposure to innovative projects through technical presentations, roundtables, practical activities, and visits over two days.

“Similar to the first edition, the meeting aims to create a space for broad debate on the main challenges and opportunities of decentralised bio-waste management, bringing together public entities, companies, and experts,” they emphasised.

The association notes that "biowaste management plays a central role in the transition to a circular economy." Despite progress, they warn that "municipalities face significant challenges in ensuring efficient treatment at the source."

“Community and home composting has been gaining relevance as a complementary solution, but its effective implementation depends on a number of factors,” he argued.

Some aspects to consider, he exemplified, are highly efficient collection systems, appropriate pricing models such as PAYT (pay-as-you-go), and the adaptation of municipal regulations.

The meeting is aimed at national, regional, and local public entities, waste management systems, companies, the HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants, and cafes), and others interested in the sustainable management of bio-waste.

The initiative takes place within the framework of the capacity-building actions planned and supported by the Interreg Euro-MED CirBioWaste project.