Contentores enterrados Green Bee em Safi, Marrocos

The historic Moroccan city of Safi has just completed the installation of 46 Green Bee underground containers, a project developed and implemented in collaboration with ISOTEC Maroc, the local distributor for Lasso™ brand equipment. The installation of these new high-capacity units represents a significant contribution to modernizing the urban waste disposal infrastructure of this North African city.

Each container has a capacity of 5 m³ and is designated for general waste disposal. The units feature a foot pedal for hands-free opening, as well as a metal system with a double lifting eye and a safety platform, ensuring enhanced protection during maintenance and emptying operations.

Lasso™’s Green Bee underground waste collection containers allow for discreet integration into the urban landscape, reducing the visual impact of disposal points and contributing to a more organized and efficient use of public space—features of particular importance in a historic, tourist-oriented city.

Morocco commits to more efficient waste management

The implementation of this project is part of a broader effort to modernize urban waste management in the country. The Kingdom of Morocco has been developing national policies and programs aimed at improving waste collection, management, treatment, and recovery. The National Household Waste Management Program (PNDM) is one such example; more recently, the country has reinforced this strategy with the National Household Waste Recovery Program (PNVDM), which focuses on environmentally sustainable practices, including reducing landfill disposal and increasing waste recovery.

In this transformation process, the modernization of disposal and collection infrastructure—exemplified by this project featuring Lasso™ containers—is a fundamental component in making urban systems more efficient, functional, and tailored to the needs of cities.

An international partnership that continues to grow

For Lasso Eco Innovation, the Safi project also represents another step in consolidating its international presence, particularly within the Moroccan market.

“Implementing this project in Safi is an excellent example of what we can achieve through genuine close collaboration with our local partners. Working with ISOTEC Maroc has enabled us to bring Lasso solutions to various urban settings across Morocco, addressing the specific needs of each city—a partnership that has strengthened over the past five years,” says Sofia Sampaio, International Market Director at Lasso Eco Innovation.

Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Safi is a city where history, heritage, tradition, and the sea converge. Known for its medina, Portuguese-era fortifications, and ancient pottery tradition, the city is also a renowned tourist destination with strong ties to the Atlantic Ocean and surfing.

8.º ENLU

Lasso Eco Innovation will be taking part in the 8th National Urban Cleaning Conference (ENLU), taking place from 8 to 10 September at the MIT Penha, in Guimarães — a city that, in 2026, holds the title of European Green Capital.

Organised by the Associação Limpeza Urbana – Parceria para Cidades + Inteligentes e Sustentáveis (ALU), in partnership with the Municipality of Guimarães, the 8th ENLU is part of the Guimarães European Green Capital 2026 programme and is centred around the theme “[Re]Shaping the Future”, inviting reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing cities and territories.

Over three days, the event will bring together experts, local authorities, academics, companies and professionals from the urban cleaning sector, providing a valuable forum for debate, knowledge sharing and the search for new solutions to make cities more sustainable, resilient and efficient.

Where innovation meets sustainability

For Lasso Eco Innovation, taking part in ENLU represents an opportunity to strengthen its close relationship with municipalities, operators and industry professionals, while sharing its vision of the role innovation can play in the evolution of urban waste management systems.

Although this edition will not feature a conventional exhibition area, Lasso will have its own dedicated space at the event, where its team will be available to welcome clients, partners and visitors, showcase its solutions and answer questions about more efficient and sustainable waste management.

Specialising in the development and manufacture of high-capacity underground and semi-underground waste containers, Lasso offers solutions designed to promote better integration of waste collection equipment into the urban environment, optimise collection processes and contribute to more efficient use of resources. The company also focuses on the integration of technology and smart systems, keeping pace with the transformation of waste management models and the growing demands of modern cities.

Guimarães as a setting for thinking about the future

Holding the 8th ENLU in Guimarães takes on particular significance in a year in which the city is European Green Capital 2026. This European recognition places sustainability, innovation and quality of life at the heart of the urban agenda, creating a particularly relevant context for discussing the future of urban cleaning and waste management.

It is precisely at this intersection of sustainability, innovation and urban transformation that Lasso Eco Innovation positions itself, developing solutions designed to address the concrete challenges faced by municipalities and contribute to cleaner, more efficient urban spaces that are ready for the future.

Lasso Eco Innovation invites all participants at the 8th ENLU to visit its dedicated space and discover more about its solutions, while sharing ideas and experiences on the future of urban waste management.

Inovadora COTEC

Sopsa Eco Innovation has once again been awarded the COTEC Innovative Status (Estatuto INOVADORA COTEC) for 2026—a distinction granted by COTEC Portugal that recognizes domestic companies standing out for their innovation capacity, financial stability, and management quality.

This distinction reinforces Sopsa’s position as a benchmark in developing innovative solutions for selective waste collection. It acknowledges the company’s work over recent years in creating products and services that contribute to cities that are more sustainable, efficient, and prepared for future environmental challenges.

According to COTEC Portugal, the COTEC Innovative Status distinguishes companies that demonstrate the ability to combine sound financial stability, consistent investment in innovation capital, and high management standards—factors that are crucial for increasing competitiveness and creating value.

This recognition stems from the company’s overall performance and the dedication of the entire Sopsa team, who work daily to develop innovative urban waste management solutions. Notable among these are the Lasso™ underground and semi-underground container systems—currently deployed in various municipalities both in Portugal and abroad—which contribute to more efficient selective waste collection that integrates seamlessly into the urban landscape.

“Receiving the COTEC Innovative Status again is a source of great pride for the entire team. This distinction recognizes not only the results achieved but also our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of solutions that meet the needs of municipalities and communities,” highlights Pedro Martins da Costa, CEO of Sopsa. The renewal of this status confirms the company’s ability to innovate, grow, and create value sustainably, solidifying its position among the organizations that contribute most significantly to the dynamics of Portugal’s innovation economy.

Sistemas hidráulicos Lasso chegam a Sora

Lasso Eco Innovation has taken another step in its internationalization strategy with the installation of the brand’s first underground containers in Italy. The project was carried out in the city of Sora in collaboration with EMZ Tecnologie Ambientali—Lasso’s local distributor—strengthening a partnership that is now embarking on a promising journey in the Italian market.

The initial waste collection point comprises six Lasso C3 hydraulic underground containers designed for the selective collection of plastic, paper, glass, general waste, and bio-waste. The solution features “Red Bee” units equipped with a drum mechanism and access control, incorporating technology developed by EMZ for smart waste management systems.

The opportunity was identified and developed by EMZ, which has played a pivotal role in introducing Lasso™ solutions to Italy. This project marks a significant milestone for both companies and demonstrates the potential of their collaboration to promote more efficient, modern, and sustainable waste collection systems.

Lasso™ hydraulic underground containers stand out for their high reliability, robustness, and build quality—characteristics that make them a benchmark in various international markets. Operational safety is another key attribute, ensuring simple and secure use for operators. Furthermore, the hydraulic system eliminates the need for cranes during collection operations, thereby reducing service times and operating costs, as it allows for the use of equipment municipalities already possess.

The choice of the city of Sora for this inaugural installation in Italy also holds special significance. Located in the Lazio region along the Liri River, Sora is a city with a strong historical and cultural identity that preserves the characteristics of a traditional Italian medieval town. The commitment to modern waste management solutions enhances the urban environment and improves the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

“For Lasso, this project marks the beginning of a new phase of growth in Italy. Together with EMZ, our goal is to continue developing innovative urban waste management solutions for this Mediterranean country, contributing to cleaner, more sustainable cities in the future,” says Sofia Sampaio, Lasso’s International Sales Director.

Contentores enterrados Lasso

In urban waste management, the decision between surface containers and underground systems is often based on the initial investment. However, when analyzed from a 15-year perspective—the average lifespan of a Lasso™ underground container in perfect working order—the equation changes significantly.

For years, the choice of waste collection solutions has been guided by a simple question:

“Which option is the cheapest to install?”

But forward-looking municipalities are asking a different question:

“Which solution costs the least… over time?”

What isn’t apparent in the initial decision

At first glance, surface-level containers seem unbeatable: lower initial investment, quick installation, and simple implementation.

But that is only part of the story.

When we analyze on-the-ground operations, other factors quickly come to the forefront:

  • • Collection frequency
  • • Operating hours
  • • Labor costs
  • • Fuel consumption
  • • Equipment wear and tear

And this is where the game changes.

Operational efficiency: the real turning point

Underground and semi-underground solutions allow for greater waste storage within the same footprint.

In practice, this translates into something very simple:

In practice, this translates into something very simple: ✔ Fewer collections ✔ Less vehicle traffic ✔ Fewer resources required

In other words, less operational pressure… every day, for years.

A matter of durability (and not just functionality)

While above-ground containers are exposed to constant wear and tear—weather, impacts, heavy use—underground systems operate in a protected environment, offering significantly longer lifecycles and requiring less frequent replacement.

  • • Less maintenance
  • • Fewer disruptions
  • • Greater predictability

And then there are the factors that don’t show up in the numbers… yet carry significant weight:

  • • Quality of public space
  • • Urban integration
  • • Cleanliness and odor control
  • • Citizen acceptance

These elements may not appear directly in a budget, but they make all the difference in how the city is perceived.

The smartest decision isn’t the most obvious one

When looking at the full lifecycle—not just one year, but 3, 5, 10, or more— it becomes clear that the most economical choice isn’t always the cheapest at the time of purchase – it is the one that generates the most value over time.

Portugal Smart Cities Summit

Lasso Eco Innovation is taking part in the 2026 edition of the Portugal Smart Cities Summit, held from May 12 to 14 at the FIL exhibition center in Lisbon, reinforcing its commitment to developing innovative solutions for waste management in the cities of the future.

During the event, the company is showcasing intelligent systems for urban waste management, integrated into its lasso™ underground and semi-underground container solutions, designed to promote more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced selective waste collection.

With more than 30 years of experience in the sector, the company has been investing in the development of equipment that combines design, functionality, and technological innovation, in line with cities’ sustainability policies. The solutions presented include intelligent systems for monitoring container fill levels and access control technologies compatible with PAYT (Pay-As-You-Throw) and SAYT (Save-As-You-Throw) pricing models. These systems help optimize collection operations, reduce operational costs, and encourage waste separation at the source — benefits aligned with the sustainability and digital transition goals of smart cities.

Among the highlights are also the lasso™ underground and semi-underground containers, which stand out for their high capacity, reduced visual impact, and harmonious integration into urban spaces, promoting improved urban cleanliness and hygiene, reduced occupation of public space, and greater efficiency in selective waste collection.

In this edition of the Portugal Smart Cities Summit, the guest region is OesteCIM (Intercommunal Community of the West). Several municipalities in this region already use lasso™ equipment, namely Mafra, Alcobaça, and Torres Vedras, where the brand’s solutions have helped modernize selective waste collection systems and support compliance with European targets for waste management, sustainability, and the transition to a more circular economy.

Soluções Lasso em França

Lasso has just won an important international tender in the Vallée de Chamonix – Mont-Blanc region, in France, in collaboration with its exclusive partner Contenur, thereby reinforcing its position as a benchmark in the development of innovative solutions for urban waste management.

The first deliveries of the project are already underway, marking the launch of a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing the existing collection system in the region. The project involves retrofitting the current extraction system installed in semi-underground containers, which until now used bags and metal containers from various brands.

The solution proposed by Lasso includes the complete replacement of this system with metal containers equipped with Kinshofer technology, complemented by metal lids with two openings, ensuring greater operational efficiency, durability, and an improved user experience for citizens.

In total, 641 internal units of the semi-underground containers will be replaced, along with their respective lids, in a phased process that will continue until 2027.

“This project represents not only a significant step in modernizing waste collection infrastructure in Chamonix, but also strengthens the strategic partnership between Lasso and Contenur, demonstrating their joint ability to address complex challenges with high-performance technical solutions,” says Sofia Sampaio, Commercial Director for the international market.

With this achievement, Lasso continues to establish itself in the international market, bringing innovation, quality, and sustainability to new territories.

Contentores enterrados Green Bee em S. João da Madeira

The Municipality of São João da Madeira has just launched a new phase aimed at creating a more modern and efficient waste management system, using underground Green Bee containers by Lasso, equipped with an access control system.

The local authority has installed 12 eco-islands of underground Green Bee containers, which will serve around one thousand families. These include a controlled-access system applied to mixed waste and bio-waste containers, which will come into force at the beginning of May. Paper/cardboard, plastic/metal, and glass containers will remain freely accessible.

According to the municipality, “with this model, it will be possible to identify waste producers, in line with national and European legislation, with a view to introducing in the future a fairer pricing system based on the quantity of waste produced (PAYT), rather than on water consumption, as is currently the case.”

Citizens will be given access to an electronic key, which they must request by April 30 via the free phone number 800 206 869. From that date onward, general waste and bio-waste containers will only be accessible to residents who have obtained the electronic key.

At the same time, the Municipality is also working with the non-domestic sector in the civic center to provide bio-waste containers. This process is expected to be completed by April 30, with the removal of surface waste containers from public streets in this area planned for early May.

“The Municipality of São João da Madeira has been achieving impressive results in its urban waste management, and Lasso is proud to contribute to this success through its containers for selective urban waste collection, now equipped with a new generation of smart systems,” said Pedro Martins da Costa, CEO of Lasso.

Overall waste management results in the city in 2025, considering a population of 24,247 inhabitants (INE 2023), include:

  • Total recycling increased from 26% (2024) to 36%, with a target of 60% by 2030
  • Recycling of paper/cardboard, plastic/metal, and glass rose from 21.4% to 22.3%
  • Annual urban waste generation per capita in São João da Madeira is 436.94 kg/inhabitant, below the target of 511, meaning the municipality has already met this goal

Daily urban waste generation per capita is 1.2 kg/inhabitant, compared to the national average of 1.4 kg/inhabitant (2023)

Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec

Between March 3 and 5, Lasso™ will be present at Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec, one of the leading events dedicated to energy, environment, and sustainable technologies in Eastern Europe. The brand will showcase its product portfolio of semi-underground and underground containers for selective waste colection.

In an increasingly demanding European context in terms of waste management policies and selective collection, Romania currently stands out as a market undergoing growth and transformation in the waste management sector, with a strong focus on infrastructure modernization and the expansion of separate waste collection.

Within this framework, Lasso™ will participate in this specialized trade fair, presenting its containerization solutions for the selective collection of municipal waste, developed to meet the current needs of municipalities, multi-municipal systems, and private operators.

Throughout the event, the company will showcase its entire product range, highlighting robust, functional solutions adaptable to different urban contexts. Among the featured products will be underground waste containers, including the hydraulic underground container system, a distinctive solution that combines operational efficiency, enhancement of public space, and sustainability.

With its participation in Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec, Lasso™ reinforces its commitment to innovation and to the development of solutions aligned with the latest environmental and regulatory requirements.

The company invites all industry professionals to visit its booth and discover firsthand the underground container solutions that are transforming urban waste management.

Lasso™ has completed the installation of new semi-underground SEMI-PE containers in the municipality of Mafra, in Portugal, reinforcing the disposal capacity and efficiency of the urban waste collection system in various areas of the municipality.

In total, 64 semi-underground polyethylene Lasso™ containers were installed, distributed across 16 recycling points located in various parts of the municipality, covering the categories of mixed waste, packaging, paper, and glass. Capacities vary between 5 m³ for mixed waste, packaging, and paper, and 3 m³ for glass, ensuring an adequate response to local needs. Some locations also received containers for batteries with a minimum capacity of 8 liters, encouraging the correct disposal of this specific waste.

The equipment features recycled plastic coating (Wood Imitation), a standard lid, and a conventional and reinforced Masterbag extraction system, ensuring durability, safety, and ease of operation. Some units have been installed in the city center of Mafra, but also in parishes such as Ericeira, Malveira, and Venda do Pinheiro, among others.

Caring for the environment in this territory takes on special significance in a municipality like Mafra, known for its historical and natural heritage. The imposing Mafra Convent, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is one of the country’s greatest cultural symbols and attracts visitors from all over the world, and the municipality is also marked by its strong connection to the sea, with beaches of high environmental quality and international recognition. Therefore, caring for a heritage that belongs to everyone is essential.

For Lasso, this installation represents another step in supporting municipalities in the transition to more efficient and sustainable collection systems.“The installation of these Lasso™ semi-underground containers in Mafra demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to modern and environmentally responsible solutions. We are proud to contribute to improving waste management in a municipality with such significant heritage and environmental value. These systems allow for greater capacity, better urban integration, and more comfort for users,” says Sofia Sampaio, commercial director of Lasso.