The members of RC Silves are very interested in their environment and work to enhance and maintain it. They were amazed to hear that there was an environmental problem so close to their homes. Antonio Lambe and Joanne Rodrigues from “Environmental action for the Algarve”, opened our eyes to the landfill problems on our doorstep.
Antonio came to the Algarve with his parents in the 60’s from Argentina and they created a lovely landscape around their home. Joanne is a restaurant owner near Odelouca.

To the west of Silves is a waste landfill where the operators of this site have applied to extend it into four surrounding areas. It is already causing a great nuisance to the local people. The rubbish delivered to the site is fed on by Storks and other birds.

The rubbish ferments and produces gases which add to the climate change. Joanne who runs a local restaurant is plagued by flies and this is ruining her business. These sites can also catch fire as they produce heat, bio gases and methane. There is also noise pollution from the heavy machinery needed at these sites.

A leap forward in recycling is required by the population of Portugal currently we are the 4^th worst in the world.

Antonio’s presentation was followed by a discussion by members about many of the possible answers to this problem. Such as Biodigesters, Incinerators, Composting and encouraging the people of Portugal through education, incentives and financial penalties to recycle more.