Arco Schools Learn Composting in Waste Reduction Education Program

Two hundred and fifty students from thirteen classes of the elementary and middle schools in Arco, along with their teachers, have been involved in the educational composting project carried out by the municipal environment department in collaboration with the Ri.n.g. cooperative.

Engaged in Arco on other fronts of waste separation, the initiative has generated interest. Starting from last February, guided by Trentino experts, pupils from Bolognano, Vigne, and the middle schools in Arco began collecting organic waste in dedicated containers provided by the administration and placed in their respective green spaces.

Practical Activities and Lessons

During 3-4 operational sessions, they observed the gradual transformation of waste into reusable material for the vegetable garden or the park. But more importantly, they started to learn—and this was the main goal of the operation—how significant the contribution each family can make is, with minimal effort, as long as they have even a modest green space.

This contributes to reducing the volume of household waste that daily ends up in landfills, with substantial economic and environmental costs.

Consolidation of Composting Practices

They had the opportunity to see firsthand that if composting is done correctly—requiring no more than 10-15 minutes every two weeks—the presence of the composter even very close to the home does not cause any issues related to bad odors or other inconveniences.

Returning to school in mid-September, each class will find its own container, where the process of transforming waste into soil, which was already well underway at the start of the holidays, will have been completed. They will then be able to decide the most appropriate use for it.

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

Presenting yesterday the conclusion of the first phase of the awareness campaign aimed at future waste producers—who have become small composting experts—the assessore Miori announced that the survey on shopping habits is also nearing completion.