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When we think about sustainability in cities, it’s easy to picture solar panels, bicycles, electric vehicles, or energy-efficient buildings. But there is an essential element that often goes unnoticed: urban design applied to waste management.

More than just a matter of functionality, urban design has the power to influence behavior, optimize resources, and integrate sustainable solutions harmoniously into the urban fabric. And this is precisely where the innovation developed by Lasso’s R&D department makes all the difference.

Public space is the stage for urban life — an environment where thousands of people cross paths every day. In this context, urban furniture, including waste disposal equipment, should be designed with a holistic view: functionality, accessibility, aesthetics, and sustainability must coexist.

A poorly integrated disposal solution can become a physical obstacle, a visually intrusive element, or even a discouraging factor for citizens to separate waste correctly. On the other hand, well-designed equipment invites usage, reduces visual impact, and improves operational efficiency.

Innovative equipment with smart design

The Green Bee underground container, by Lasso, is a remarkable example of how smart design can address multiple urban challenges at once. With a high storage capacity — ideal for densely populated or high-traffic areas — it stands out by significantly reducing the aesthetic impact on the urban landscape.

Its discreet presence in public spaces is the result of a clean design with balanced proportions. Made from high-quality materials like stainless steel, the Green Bee underground waste container combines exceptional durability with a contemporary, robust appearance. It makes waste disposal easier for users and ensures efficient operation for collection teams.

Another underground container model, the Red Bee, offers a similar approach but stands out by allowing the use of single or double drum.

At Lasso, this principle is evident across the entire line of solutions — not only in underground containers like the Green Bee and Red Bee but also in semi-underground options, such as the SEMI PE and SEMI BT. Designed for seamless integration into urban spaces, Lasso SEMI semi-underground containers adapt to any context thanks to a wide range of finishing — from natural wood, recycled plastic, Lioz stone, river pebbles, anodized aluminum, to custom image finishing — offering versatility and aesthetic appeal for all types of urban environments.

Lasso containers serving environmental education

Contrary to popular belief, design is not just about “beauty” – it is a powerful communication tool. Well-designed equipment sparks curiosity, educates, and creates a positive user experience, helping to internalize and encourage good environmental practices.

At Lasso, urban sustainability is also a matter of visual culture. By offering solutions that are thoughtfully designed to integrate coherently into diverse urban contexts — historic, modern, or natural — the brand helps municipalities promote a more cared-for, valued, and respected public space.

Aligned with this vision, Lasso’s R&D team continues to develop equipment that combines technology, sustainability, and design in the service of cities that are more efficient, cleaner, and healthier.

Learn more at https://lasso.pt/en/

Contentores enterrados Lasso

Sopsa has installed 21 Green Bee underground containers, produced by Lasso, in Vila Real de Santo António, in the south of the country, as part of a municipal project aimed at renewing and strengthening the underground equipment for urban waste collection.

The municipality installed four eco-islands to facilitate selective waste disposal by citizens. These recycling points include five underground containers, ranging from 5 m³ to 2 m³, for the collection of mixed waste (equipped with Masterbag lifting bag and leachate drain), plastic and metal packaging, paper and cardboard, glass waste (with reinforced bag), and bio-waste (with Masterbag and leachate drain). It is worth noting that all containers are equipped with a foot pedal for greater functionality and convenience when opening the lid.

“These are the first Green Bee containers we have installed in the historic area of Vila Real de Santo António, where they fit perfectly thanks to their innovative design and aesthetics, and their reduced visual impact. These containers enable more efficient urban hygiene while simultaneously reducing collection trips, due to their underground waste storage capacity,” says Maria João Ferreira, Lasso’s commercial director for the domestic market.

Lasso Semi BT em Herault

Contenur, the exclusive distributor of Lasso for the French market, has installed around 40 Lasso SEMI BT semi-underground containers in the department of Hérault, in southern France, as part of a project promoted by Syndicat Centre Hérault.

These are semi-underground containers with a “Wood Imitation” cladding, concrete pit, and Kinshofer lifting system with a metal inner container and double door. The modular polyethylene lid includes a flap, and the containers for residual waste are equipped with a double drum lid and pre-installed access control system.

Thanks to their robustness and high construction quality, this model has demonstrated excellent performance, perfectly adapting to the region’s requirements, both from an aesthetic and functional perspective.

Hérault, located in the Occitanie region, is known for its diverse landscapes, combining Mediterranean coastline, modern urban areas, and historic villages. It is an area committed to environmental sustainability, where efficient waste management is an increasingly important priority.

“The installation of SEMI BT containers in Hérault represents an important step in strengthening selective waste collection in urban and semi-urban areas in France. This project, developed by our partner Contenur, reflects not only the confidence in the quality of Lasso’s solution but also the commitment of Syndicat Centre Hérault to more efficient, modern, and environmentally responsible waste management,” says Sofia Sampaio, Lasso’s commercial director for the international market.

With this project, Lasso strengthens its presence in France and reaffirms its role in innovation and the quality of urban waste management solutions.

From 3–5 June, Lasso will be exhibiting at the Portugal Smart Cities Summit, the country’s leading event for urban innovation, held at FIL – Lisbon Exhibition & Congress Centre. This appearance marks another step in Lasso’s mission to transform waste management through sustainable, technology-driven solutions.

At Stand 3A22 in Pavilion 3, Lasso will unveil its latest innovations in underground containers, with special emphasis on the launch of the new Semi DUO—an intelligent, efficient and sustainable approach that promises to revolutionise selective waste collection in urban environments.

Join us to explore how Lasso is helping create cleaner, more connected and more resilient cities by blending technology, sustainability and operational efficiency.

We invite you to visit our stand and discover how innovation can power urban transformation. See you at the Portugal Smart Cities Summit!

The SEMI DUO, Lasso’s new semi-underground container, has now hit the market. It was developed specifically to help municipalities adapt to the collection of bio-waste. The Lasso SEMI DUO is an exclusive solution developed by Sopsa, with a unique feature that sets it apart from the rest: it is an innovative, bi-compartmentalized semi-underground container that allows two types of waste to be collected in the same container.

Designed to optimize collection space, this container is equipped with a modular double-opening lid that allows for various combinations of lids and openings – whether mats, vertical openings or single or double drums.

With two distinct openings and two independent bags, the new Lasso SEMI DUO stands out from other containers, allowing users to correctly deposit different waste streams without the risk of cross-contamination. SEMI DUO is particularly suitable for combining bio-waste/mixed waste, and works equally well with plastic/paper. It is also an interesting solution for adapting to existing semi-underground containers, allowing bio-waste to be collected without taking up additional space on public areas.

This innovative approach not only optimises urban space, reducing the need for multiple containers, but also simplifies collection logistics, making it more efficient and economically viable.

The new Lasso SEMI DUO is also compatible with intelligent waste management systems, such as access control systems or fill level probes. In addition, its modern and intuitive design encourages active participation by the population in waste separation, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. With its implementation, municipalities can take a significant step towards meeting recycling and organic recovery targets, ensuring waste management that is more in line with European environmental requirements.

“The introduction of Lasso SEMI DUO represents a concrete response to the challenges of selective collection, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to transform the way we manage our waste”, adds Sofia Sampaio, Sopsa’s commercial director for the international market.

Lasso marca

Lasso’s underground containers will be present at the 15th National Waste Management Meeting (XV Encontro Nacional de Gestão de Resíduos), which will take place on May 22nd, in Lisbon. Organized by APEMETA – Portuguese Association of Environmental Technology Companies, in collaboration with ESGRA – Association for Waste Management, the event is one of the main national forums dedicated to policies, practices and innovations in the waste management sector.

As a Gold Sponsor, Lasso will showcase in its exhibition space the new underground container solutions – including the new SEMI DUO – developed by Sopsa to ensure greater efficiency in urban cleaning and hygiene, specifically in the collection of urban waste. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the potential of intelligent systems for container filling levels monitoring and access control, which allow for the optimization of collection routes, reduction of operational costs and promotion of environmental sustainability in cities.

“This event is a privileged showcase for us to share our vision on the future of urban waste management. At Sopsa – and through our Lasso brand – we believe that technology and design must go hand in hand to respond to the challenges of modern cities. Being present at the XV National Waste Management Meeting allows us not only to showcase what we are developing, but also to listen to and learn from the main stakeholders in the sector”, says Maria João Ferreira, Sopsa’s commercial director for the national market. With this presence, Lasso reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainability, actively contributing to the modernization of the waste management sector in Portugal.

Sopsa distinguida na Gala INVEST em Santo Tirso

Sopsa, SA – the company that develops and manufactures Lasso underground and semi-underground containers – was one of the 101 companies honored by Santo Tirso City Council for its PME Excellence status during the INVEST Gala, a ceremony held this April at the Fábrica de Santo Thyrso.

For the Mayor of Santo Tirso, Alberto Costa, “the 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧 pays a fair and deserved tribute to the companies in our municipality that, with vision, hard work and resilience, achieved the prestigious status of PME Líder and PME Excelência in 2023”.

The PME Excelência award is granted annually by IAPMEI – Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, from the universe of PME Líder, in recognition of the merit and contribution of companies to the results of the economy. This is, therefore, a recognition of the economic, financial and management performance achieved in 2023.

“Sopsa is very proud to receive this distinction from the Santo Tirso local authority. This recognition is the result of the commitment of our entire team, the trust of our customers and our constant dedication to innovation and quality. We will continue to work with the same passion and commitment that has brought us this far and to support municipalities on their path to more sustainable waste management. Thank you all!” said Maria João Ferreira, Sopsa’s commercial director for the national market.

Lasso na Green Energy Expo

Lasso is proud to share the successful outcome of its participation in this year’s Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec, in Bucharest. With a record-breaking attendance of over 6,000 visitors, the 2025 edition marked a significant growth for the event—and for Lasso’s visibility within the industry in Romania.

The brand’s booth saw a notable increase in visitors, attracting professionals, municipal representatives, and stakeholders interested in sustainable urban solutions. The timing of the Congress of Mayors and Local Administration of Romania—organized by ARSC and held concurrently—brought an important and relevant audience to the expo. Lasso too, had the opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers from across the country.

Lasso showcased all its innovative underground waste container systems, designed to streamline urban waste collection, improve aesthetics, and reduce environmental impact. The engagement and feedback we received confirmed a growing interest in smart, sustainable waste management in Romania.

Pedro Martins da Costa, CEO of Lasso, shared his perspective on the event: “This year’s participation in Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec was truly rewarding. The increased attendance and the presence of municipal leaders allowed us to share our vision for cleaner, smarter cities. We’re proud to see our solutions gaining traction and look forward to continuing these conversations beyond the fair.”

“We thank everyone who visited us at the fair and look forward to future collaborations that move us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable urban future”.

Contentores hidráulicos Lasso instalados em Bucareste, Roménia

Following the installation of the new Sopsa factory in Romania, the first Lasso hydraulic underground containers are being installed in that country. The containers are destined for Sector 6 of the city of Bucharest and, to date, around 300 containers have been installed, in a project involving a total of 743 units.

The project for Sector 6 of the city of Bucharest integrates C4 hydraulic containers, with a Red Bee stainless steel column and drum, for the selective collection of mixed waste, plastic and packaging, paper and cardboard and bio-waste.

“The capital of Romania is now reorganizing its waste management, adapting it to the new European directives, and our Lasso containers will be fundamental to this process. The choice of hydraulic containers is due to the fact that they present all the advantages of a recycling bank with underground containers, without, however, the need for a crane”, says Sofia Sampaio, commercial director of Lasso for the international market.

The more than 700 new C4 hydraulic containers from Lasso are being produced at Sopsa’s new production unit, located north of Bucharest – Sopsa Inovatie Ecologica,Srl.

Contentores semienterrados Lasso em Temara, Marrocos

The first Lasso SEMI PE semi-underground containers have just been installed in Temara, a coastal city in Morocco, in a project carried out in collaboration with local distributor, Isotec Maroc. These are containers with a capacity of 1.5 m³, with a double metal ring, intended for the storage of mixed waste, installed in a new urbanization built in this Moroccan city recognized as a beach and golf destination.

Morocco is currently implementing a more sustainable waste management policy, in which Lasso semi-underground containers fit appropriately, given their characteristics of large capacity, robustness, durability and space optimization. One of the features that immediately pleased those responsible for the Temara project was the fact that waste is stored below ground, which prevents odors and pests and ensures greater urban hygiene.

“The Lasso SEMI adapt perfectly to the demands of our customers in Morocco and meet all the requirements for waste management needs in that country. The first containers have already been installed and we are sure that they are an excellent option”, says Sofia Sampaio, commercial director at Lasso for the international market.