The “Recycle and Win” school competition, part of Algar’s Ecovalor Programme, achieved record results in the 2025/2026 academic year, with the 190 schools and 13,058 pupils taking part in this edition sending more than 1,191 tonnes of recyclable packaging for recovery. Compared with the previous academic year, overall growth stood at around 12 per cent, reflecting the strong commitment of the Algarve’s educational community to recycling and the correct separation of waste.

During the 2025/2026 academic year, participating schools handed in 373 tonnes of glass, 447 tonnes of paper and cardboard, and 371 tonnes of plastic and metal. In total, 125 tonnes more recyclable packaging was recovered than in the previous academic year.

The greatest increases were seen in the glass and plastic/metal packaging streams, both of which rose by 13 per cent, whilst paper and cardboard recorded a 9 per cent increase.

As part of the Ecovalor Programme, the “Recycle and Win” competition promotes the adoption of good environmental practices in schools, encouraging pupils, teachers and other members of the school community to play an active part in the sorting and recycling of waste.

In addition to the competition, the programme includes environmental awareness-raising initiatives, educational visits and a partnership with Escola Electrão (a project run by Electrão which also aims to raise awareness of the collection of used electrical equipment and batteries), helping to foster citizens who are more environmentally conscious and better prepared for the challenges of the circular economy.

“The results achieved by Ecovalor’s ‘Recycle and Win’ school competition demonstrate the growing commitment of the Algarve’s educational communities to recycling. The 12 per cent increase in the quantities of recyclable packaging sent for recovery under this programme, compared with the previous academic year, reinforces the importance of environmental education in promoting more responsible behaviour and fostering more environmentally conscious citizens. The participating schools have played a key role in raising awareness amongst the younger generations of the importance of recycling, helping to consolidate a culture of the circular economy in the Algarve”, says Miguel Aranda da Silva, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ALGAR."

In recognition of the commitment shown, the 190 participating schools will be awarded prizes based on the quantities of recyclable packaging handed in, in accordance with the terms set out in the initiative’s rules.

The 2026/2027 edition is already underway, with registrations open until 15 October, involving schools across the region in an ongoing programme of environmental education, recycling and citizenship.