MillionEyes Opinion Article, October 2025
Nuno Rama
Board Secretary of AASO
Executive Assistant at Optocentro
The Association for the Support of Optical Sustainability (AASO) has been carrying out continuous and dedicated work in promoting environmentally responsible practices in the optical sector, seeking to ensure that all waste resulting from the activity is properly treated, recovered, and directed in accordance with current legislation.
However, this effort is currently constrained by a set of significant challenges, particularly regarding the certification processes and qualifications required for the proper handling of waste originating from optical businesses.
One of the main constraints is related to the applicable legal framework. Article 45 of the General Waste Management Regime (RGGR) establishes that responsibility for the collection of urban waste lies with Municipal Councils. In this context, waste from the optical sector falls under the category of urban waste, which, in theory, means that its treatment and final destination—generally landfill—should be ensured by local authorities.
In practice, however, the reality proves to be far more complex. Despite legal clarification, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the actual role of Municipal Councils in the collection and specific management of optical waste—namely, whether they would, in fact, carry out the differentiated and appropriate collection of such waste.
This lack of definition places us in a delicate position, making it difficult to plan and implement any sustainable practices.
When contacted, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) clarified that although the collection of urban waste is a municipal responsibility, the law does not prevent AASO from assuming this responsibility, provided that the applicable legal requirements are met.
Thus, the association moved forward with its own waste collection and management program, aiming to ensure that waste is directed toward recovery processes rather than simply landfill. This program has been named CRR – Waste Collection Circuit.
Although legally viable, this independent collection system brings additional challenges. AASO continues to work towards obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses, establishing partnerships with duly authorized operators, with the goal of implementing an increasingly efficient collection system and ensuring traceability across all waste streams.
This is a complex, demanding, and costly process, especially for an association-based, non-profit entity whose primary objective is to support the optical sector in fulfilling its environmental obligations, rather than replacing the responsibilities assigned to local authorities.
Overcoming what could constitute a true institutional impasse—on the one hand, legislation assigns collection responsibility to Municipal Councils; on the other, there is a lack of clarity and guarantees regarding their actions—the association finds itself compelled to assume additional costs and responsibilities to ensure that waste from the sector is properly managed.
This dual pathway creates uncertainty, increases the administrative burden, and makes it more difficult to implement a solid and coherent sustainability strategy.
In this context, AASO has sought to strengthen dialogue with various entities and institutions, such as Municipal Councils, the Portuguese Environment Agency, and other operators, in order to clarify responsibilities, define procedures, and establish joint solutions that ensure compliance with legal and environmental obligations.
Only through clear and effective coordination among all stakeholders will it be possible to ensure that waste from the optical sector is properly recovered and integrated into a true circular economy framework, thereby contributing to more sustainable and responsible resource management.
AASO does not rule out any strategy that may facilitate the achievement of its objectives, and the establishment of cooperation agreements that ensure differentiated collection and proper waste handling remains an open option.
By directly assuming these challenges and responsibilities, financial sustainability also becomes crucial to its operations. Therefore, the association continuously monitors and evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of obtaining the necessary certifications and establishing partnerships with licensed operators for waste recovery.
These measures will strengthen its role as a promoter of sustainability in the optical sector, ensuring that environmental obligations are fulfilled effectively, legally, and responsibly.
Despite the above, AASO views this challenge as an opportunity and, on behalf of the sector—but above all its members—remains at the forefront, prepared to face difficulties and overcome obstacles, always aware that its actions will contribute to an increasingly sustainable and cleaner sector.
