EMSA’s 2025 Internal Waste Awareness Campaign

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has been registered under the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) since 2022. Each year, the Agency collects data on electricity consumption, waste generation, water usage and other environmental indicators for inclusion in its Environmental Statement.

In view of the relatively low levels of waste recycled in EMSA’s premises (42% in 2024), it was decided to dedicate 2025 to an internal awareness campaign on waste separation, with the objective of reinforcing staff engagement and promoting more sustainable practices within the Agency.

Throughout the year, a series of targeted actions were implemented. During the first quarter, the focus was placed on information and awareness-raising through EMSA’s internal communication platform (intranet). To encourage participation, all waste bins in the kitchenettes were replaced by higher-quality containers bearing new and clearer labels, and, for the first time, EMSA introduced the collection of organic waste within its facilities.

Information was disseminated via the intranet regarding the new EU Regulation 2025/40, which introduces measures to reduce packaging waste, and staff were reminded of the various recycling points available on the premises for used batteries, light bulbs, electronic waste and cork stoppers. During this period, staff were also encouraged to give up the use of individual office waste bins and instead make use of the kitchenette facilities (available on all floors) for proper waste separation. To support this initiative, and to facilitate recycling both in the workplace and at home, the Waste App was promoted on the intranet, offering practical guidance on correct waste disposal.

In the second semester, EMSA hosted a training session delivered by Sociedade Ponto Verde, one of the main Portuguese NGOs dedicated to waste, open to all staff members. The presentation generated significant interest and provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarification on a range of recycling-related questions.

With staff now well informed and supporting materials available, attention turned to reinforcing knowledge through practical engagement. In September, an educational initiative was organised in collaboration with Sociedade Ponto Verde. On this occasion, a “backpacker” visited staff in their offices to discuss recycling practices and answer questions, while in the courtyard, a recycling ‘board’ game invited colleagues to test and apply their knowledge in a playful and interactive manner.

To conclude the internal awareness campaign, EMSA undertook improvements to its recycling infrastructure. In November, posters were installed in all kitchenettes above each recycling container, providing clear examples of items that should and should not be deposited in each bin, thereby facilitating correct waste segregation. The recycling area located in the garage, designated for items brought from home (such as batteries, electronic equipment and light bulbs), was also upgraded to improve its usability. The redesigned area has since become a more attractive and accessible space for staff use.

Through all these initiatives implemented during 2025 — aimed at raising awareness among staff and improving waste management performance within the building — EMSA intends to register this campaign as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction.