Port of Vigo aims for zero waste

A huge variety of waste ends up at the port from numerous sources, commercial vessels, fishing activity and logistic activity. This has led to multiple recycling and waste management projects taking place simultaneously.

Carlos Botana Lagarón, head of sustainability at the Port of Vigo, told GreenPort: “For the Port of Vigo waste management is a critical process. Waste can cost greater than €1m and our aim is to always be reducing this cost.”

“We have agreements with different associations, such as ECOPILAS and AMBILANP, for the free collection of port users’ waste as well as an agreement with the fishing vessels to bring to the port all the waste they collect on their nets to be recycled.”

Another development taking place at the port is the 3-R project – reduce, reuse and recycle. It allows for the recycling of plastic and polyethylene and was created in collaboration with the Waste Free Ocean Foundation (WFO).

Vigo believes that 2016 will be a significant year for the port and will see the increase of recycling ratios once more. The increased optimism is due to a new agreement with Ecombes, who recycled 73.7% of all packaging in Spain last year.

“The Port of Vigo has a strategic goal – to become a Landmark Green Port in Spain. To achieve this the Ecoport certifications is a good guide to set the path we must follow regarding the most innovative technologies and the best environmental practices in ports,” Mr Lagarón said.

Vigo received ESPO’s Ecoports certification for the second time in July 2015 and is recognised by the organisation as a front runner in environmental management systems.

He continued: “Next year we expect to do a selective collecting plan for the 500 plus companies operating in the Port of Vigo, in addition to raising awareness through campaigns about the need for continued recycling.”

In 2014 the port reached its highest rate of recycled waste, 72.5%, which was up 2% on the previous year and over 5% on the year before.

With the rates increasing year on year, Vigo is showing no signs of letting up with its continued investment and improvement programmes.

“We have planned to invest in the improvement of the waste management system. €250,000 will be spent on the plan which will see selective collection points, reutilisation of the train water to wash dumpsters and a vegetation barrier,” added Mr Lagarón.

He continued: “In the past year the recuperation of the quays and the sea bed has been the priority as is creating a greener space. We want to continue this but incorporate the recovery of the sea bed and maintenance of the docks.”

The port’s green vision and recycling programmes have led to an improved port image and a transformed perception by the community.

Mr Lagarón explained: “The port is not an environmental enemy to the city and the community, it is now a facility for Vigo maintaining its activity, history and wealth. The recycling and waste treatment projects have also led to new employment in the area.”

“As with many other European ports, the Port of Vigo is embedded into the city. Our activity must be bound to a warranty of respect towards the environment and we consider Ecoports Certification as a warranty label to citizens,” he added.

Vigo’s port is in a unique position which makes it environmental stance so important. The bay is in the Cies Islands National Park and is also connected to five nationally protected areas.