Electrão

What Electrão does

Electrão (legally, Electrão – Associação de Gestão de Resíduos) is a Lisbon-headquartered non-profit association and the only Portuguese entity licensed by the state to manage three integrated waste systems under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework: electrical and electronic equipment (SIGREEE), batteries and accumulators (SIGRPA), and packaging (SIGRE), with additional participation in single-use plastics end-of-life management. Founded in 2005 as Amb3E by 60 of Portugal's largest electrical equipment producers and rebranded to Electrão in 2019, the organization operates Portugal's largest collection network with 13,000+ collection points including dedicated Ponto Electrão containers (a first-in-Europe deployment since 2008), commercial partner sites, and a pioneered free door-to-door service for bulky appliances in Greater Lisbon. In 2023 it collected and recycled 85,153 tons of waste, and over 20 years it has processed 927,432 tons cumulatively.

The core technology stack is operational and platform-based rather than software-defined: the Ondereciclar.pt interactive map helps consumers locate drop-off points across waste types; Ondedoar.pt matches corporate surplus equipment to non-profit social institutions; the Aderentes Members Portal provides self-service EPR compliance, fee reporting, and certificate retrieval; and awareness programs (Escola Electrão in ~700 schools, Quartel Electrão with firefighter associations, postal collection via DHL, and the TransforMAR beach initiative with Lidl) drive inbound collection volumes. Operational partnerships span waste treatment operators (Veolia since 2007, Interecycling, Naturpaiva, Recypilas in Spain, ENVIROBAT, Indumetal/Recyberica) and municipal entities (SIMAR, AMCAL, Câmara Municipal do Seixal).

The business model is a regulated, fee-for-service model funded by eco-fees (ecovalor) charged to ~2,000 member companies — producers, importers, and distributors placing equipment, batteries, or packaging on the Portuguese market — at unit prices determined annually by waste category and quantity. Pricing operates under a Standard Members Regime (≥1,000 kg electrical equipment, ≥250 kg batteries, ≥1,000 kg packaging annually, billed quarterly for electrical equipment) and a Small-Scale Regime (below thresholds, billed annually). Customer segments span B2B member companies (primary revenue source), operational partners (transport, treatment, reception), municipalities and public entities, and individual citizens as end users of the collection network. Anchor customers include founding partners Radio Popular, Beko Europe Iberia, and Daikin Portugal, alongside IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Samsung (8-year Reciclar dá Sorrisos campaign), and most recently Temu (2026 partnership for marketplace seller EPR compliance).

Name

Electrão

Legal name

Electrão – Associação de Gestão de Resíduos

Website

https://electrao.pt

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Waste Management Services

NAICS

Waste Collection (56211), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411)

SIC

Refuse Systems (4953), Sanitary Services (4950)

akta.pro primary industry

Certified Compliance & Reporting Services (R2/e-Stewards, Audit, ESG) (BPALAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Battery Recycling & Management (Lithium-ion, Lead-acid) (BPALAIAF), Supply Chain & Product Environmental Compliance (RoHS, WEEE, Packaging EPR, Eco-Design/Labeling Regulations) (EUAHABAJ)

Keywords

• Waste management services
• Electronic waste recycling
• Battery recycling services
• Packaging waste management
• Producer responsibility compliance

Headquarters

HQ city

Lisboa

HQ country

Portugal

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Eco-fees (Ecovalor): Electrão charges eco-fees (ecovalor) from member companies (producers, importers, packagers) based on the quantity and type of products placed on the national market. These fees fund the integrated waste management system operations, including collection, transportation, treatment, and recycling.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Electrão is a non-profit association that operates licensed integrated waste management systems for electrical and electronic equipment (SIGREEE), batteries and accumulators (SIGRPA), and packaging (SIGRE) under Portugal's Extended Producer Responsibility framework. It charges eco-fees (ecovalor) from member companies (producers, importers, distributors) based on the type and quantity of products placed on the national market, and uses the proceeds to fund nationwide collection, transportation, treatment, and recycling services delivered through its own network and operational partners.

Product overview

Electrão is a waste management entity (Associação de Gestão de Resíduos) operating as the only organization in Portugal managing three waste streams: electrical equipment (SIGREEE), batteries and accumulators (SIGRPA), and packaging (SIGRE). The company offers integrated Extended Producer Responsibility compliance services through its collection network of over 13,000 sites, a pioneering door-to-door collection service for bulky appliances, and digital platforms including Ondereciclar.pt (collection point finder) and Ondedoar.pt (donation platform). The portfolio includes awareness campaigns such as Escola Electrão (school program), Quartel Electrão (firefighter partnerships), and various thematic campaigns. The organization manages member compliance through an online portal and provides eco-fee based pricing for producers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ponto Electrão: Collection containers for small electrical equipment and lamps throughout Portugal.
• Quartel Electrão
• Escola Electrão
• Onde Reciclar
• Onde Doar
• Recolha Porta-a-Porta
• TransforMAR

Products and services

• SIGREEE – Electrical Equipment Waste Management System Integrated waste management system for electrical and electronic equipment providing Extended Producer Responsibility compliance for producers placing equipment on the Portuguese market. Includes collection, treatment, recycling, and APA reporting.
• SIGRPA – Batteries and Accumulators Management System Integrated waste management system for batteries and accumulators enabling producers to transfer their end-of-life management responsibilities through eco-fees, with collection and treatment via the national partner network.
• SIGRE – Packaging Waste Management System Integrated waste management system for packaging, providing producers with compliance services for Extended Producer Responsibility obligations on packaging materials placed on the Portuguese market.
• Porta-a-Porta Door-to-Door Collection Service Free collection service for large bulky used electrical appliances collected directly from citizens' homes. Available in Greater Lisbon municipalities (Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras, Sintra, Mafra, Almada) and expanding to Oeste region and Tratolixo municipalities. Requested via 800 262 333 or [email protected].
• Ondereciclar.pt Collection Point Finder Interactive map platform enabling citizens to find the nearest collection point for batteries, electrical equipment, lamps, end-of-life vehicles, tires, oils, and used umbrellas. Free public service for citizens.
• Ondedoar.pt Corporate Donation Platform Secure donation platform connecting member companies with non-profit organizations (IPSS) to donate surplus equipment, furniture, textiles and other products, avoiding waste and supporting social institutions.
• Electrão Empresas Members Portal Online membership portal where companies can join Electrão's waste management systems, submit periodic reports, access compliance certificates, and manage eco-fee payments for EPR compliance.
• Ponto Electrão Collection Network Network of dedicated containers for collecting small electrical equipment, lamps, and batteries, including outdoor subterranean containers and standard containers placed in shopping centers, commercial areas, and public spaces. The largest such network in Portugal.
• Escola Electrão School Recycling Campaign School engagement campaign where schools collect used batteries and electrical equipment for recycling and compete for prizes under the motto 'Caring for the environment is mandatory.' Currently in its 15th edition with approximately 700 schools participating annually.
• Quartel Electrão Firefighter Partnership Campaign Partnership with Volunteer Firefighter Associations (Associações Humanitárias de Bombeiros Voluntários) where firefighters collect used electrical equipment and batteries and receive funds and prizes based on collection volumes to support their humanitarian activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 31% increase in electrical equipment collection in 2024 compared to 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• TemucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 May 2026E-commerce platform Temu partnered with Electrão to support seller compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Portugal. The partnership helps sellers on the Temu marketplace meet their legal obligations under Portuguese and EU environmental regulations.
• SamsungflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-year 'Reciclar dá Sorrisos' (Recycling Gives Smiles) campaign. Over 8 years, collected 861+ tons of waste from electrical equipment, batteries, and accumulators, generating over 86,000 euros in donations for IPSS (social sector institutions).
• DHLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for postal collection of small electrical equipment through DHL's network of drop-off points (paperarias and neighborhood stores) for the International E-Waste Day campaign 2024.
• Lidl PortugalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransforMAR initiative challenging beachgoers to collect plastics for recycling. Project includes installation of collection points at beaches and awareness activities about circular economy principles.
• EntrajudacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for 'Pilhas por Alimentos' campaign where citizens can deposit used batteries at Food Banks. Links recycling to food donation for social support.
• IPO LisboaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner'Todos pelo IPO' campaign where battery and electrical equipment recycling is converted into financial donations for IPO Lisboa's healthcare mission. Significant campaign growth in IPO's centenary year.
• Veolia Gestão de ResíduoscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWaste treatment operator partner since 2007 (originally as Renascimento). Receives all WEEE typologies at Loures facility for proper treatment and recycling.
• SIMAR de Loures e OdivelascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntermunicipal waste management system partnering with Electrão for waste collection services, increasing proximity with citizens and ensuring proper waste treatment.
• Câmara Municipal do SeixalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partnership for responsible management of electrical equipment waste, giving new life to equipment at end of use and contributing to material recovery.
• Universidade de LisboacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership with Electrão collection point. Over 150 tons of WEEE collected in the last decade including lamps, ink cartridges, batteries and other materials.
• AMCAL - Associação de Municípios do Alentejo CentralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal association partnership in Alentejo region for integrated waste management solutions and municipal population awareness.
• Associação dos Bombeiros Voluntários de AlenquercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirefighting association participating in Quartel Electrão campaign, receiving financial support from collected waste for humanitarian activities.
• HelexiaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSolar energy company that partnered with Electrão for recycling damaged solar panels after extreme weather events, supporting firefighters with donations.
• MaiambienteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal environment company partnering with Electrão for 'Vidrados no Ambiente' glass recycling campaign targeting HORECA sector in Maia municipality.
• BioaçoresminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRegional partner in Azores for sustainable waste management solutions.
• EcoibériaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPET recycling company celebrating 20 years together with Electrão. Partnership for transforming bottles into future resources.
• RecypilascoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBattery recycling treatment operator receiving used batteries from Electrão's network. Treatment unit located in ASUA-ERANDIO, Spain.
• ENVIROBATminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOne of Europe's major battery treatment plants, collaborating with Electrão during tender processes and operational business.
• Indumetal / Recyberica Ambiental / RecypilascoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBattery recycling group providing treatment services for Electrão's waste battery management, with emphasis on regulatory evolution and strategic material recovery.
• Naturpaiva (Grupo Movilex)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWEEE treatment operator in Pedorido-Castelo de Paiva with 40+ workers, providing electrical waste treatment services.
• Interecycling S.A.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWEEE treatment operator and partner in Electrão's network, contributing to managing the fastest-growing waste stream globally.
• EXTRUPLÁScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner with close collaboration over 20 years contributing to sustainability and circular economy in Portugal.
• Radio PopularflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner of Electrão (as Amb3E), operating collection points and maintaining nearly umbilical partnership over 20 years.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ECOTIC: Portuguese WEEE compliance PRO and direct competitor to Electrão; manages e-waste collection and recycling on behalf of producers under Portuguese EPR regulations. Highly comparable in service offering, regulatory mandate, and member-funded model.
• WEEE Ireland: Irish not-for-profit compliance scheme for WEEE and batteries, operating under the same EU EPR framework as Electrão. Direct functional analogue with similar member-funded model, collection network, and Door-to-Door collection services.
• ERP Portugal: Direct competitor in the Portuguese EPR compliance market; ERP (European Recycling Platform) operates a WEEE compliance system in Portugal, offering producers an alternative PRO to Electrão's SIGREEE. Comparable in regulatory function, cross-border scale, and member-funded business model.

Emerging players

• Take-e-back: German e-waste compliance and take-back scheme operator serving producers under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. Comparable regulatory function under EU framework with a narrower geographic and service footprint than Electrão's three-stream Portuguese operation.

Others

• Veolia Portugal: Waste treatment operator and operational partner of Electrão since 2007. Not a direct competitor but a key downstream counterpart - comparable in waste management category with much greater scale, capital base, and vertical integration potential.
• Indumetal Recycling: Spanish battery recycling treatment operator that partners with Electrão via Recypilas for battery processing. Comparable as a downstream waste treatment counterpart, not a direct EPR scheme competitor.

Broad incumbents

• ERP (European Recycling Platform): Pan-European PRO operating WEEE, battery, and packaging compliance schemes across 20+ countries including Portugal. Larger and more diversified than Electrão with cross-border scale advantages and broader service portfolio.
• Ambipar (formerly Recolte): Brazilian-listed environmental management group with Iberian and European operations including WEEE compliance and treatment. Comparable in waste management service breadth but operates as a for-profit with significantly greater capital and M&A capacity than Electrão.

Regional players

• Stiftung EAR: German WEEE registration authority and compliance scheme operator. Comparable in regulatory function (administers EPR under national law) but operates in a far larger and more developed German e-waste market than Electrão's Portuguese footprint.
• Eco-systèmes (France): French EPR compliance PRO for household WEEE. Functionally comparable as a not-for-profit EPR operator under EU framework, but serves France only - a useful cross-market benchmark for collection volumes and member economics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@electrao8694
• Facebookfacebook.com/electraopt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/electrao
• Instagraminstagram.com/electraopt

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Electrão