Municipality Surpasses Recycling Goals with New Waste Management Initiatives

Recycling rate has reached twenty-five percent. A year ahead of schedule, the Administration has hit and exceeded the solid waste separation percentage mandated for municipalities by the Ronchi decree by 2001. This positive result was significantly accelerated by the establishment of a new waste collection service and regulations, which led to the installation of numerous street bins across the area and the opening of a separated waste collection center in the Campazzi locality.

Indeed, the relocation of the oasis from the narrow space of via Europa Unita to an area near the industrial zone has facilitated an increase in separation, especially for large users. “In a few days, the work on the new and efficient ecological island will be completed,” explains Ecology Councilor Valter Rizzi. It is situated next to the current one, which was temporarily established earlier, to immediately proceed with waste separation efforts.

Until October 31, the oasis will be open from Monday to Saturday (from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning and from 15:30 to 18:00 in the afternoon), with winter season hours ensuring morning access Monday through Friday (8:00-12:00) and on Saturday, both morning and afternoon. “The positive results achieved so far should not lead to complacency,” Rizzi emphasizes, justly disappointed with the lack of civic responsibility shown by many users, particularly foreigners.

Controls, education, and new initiatives

“Unfortunately, we observe the abandonment of paper or bulky materials next to empty bins,” not to mention improper use of the containers. Ongoing monitoring of the territory has revealed continuous violations, and now, after years of educating the public about the proper functioning of the waste separation service, violators will be fined for superficiality or disrespect for civic norms.

There are no valid excuses after numerous public meetings held during the winter, albeit with poor attendance, perhaps indicating a well-known awareness of the issue. Additionally, we have conducted “lessons” in elementary and middle schools in Bardolino and Calmasino to raise children’s and consequently their parents’ awareness of the importance of waste separation,

concludes the ecology councilor.

But that’s not all. Soon, new leaflets will be distributed in four languages (Italian, German, Dutch, and English) containing detailed, thorough information. Among the innovations is a home pick-up service for bulky items by calling the toll-free number 800734989. This service is free of charge, available only to private citizens and not commercial enterprises.

In addition to separation efforts, the Administration has decorated the small ecological islands scattered across the territory with flowers placed in front of the bins, specifically in the locations of Croce, via Sem, San Colombano, and via Molini. The next intervention will be near the middle schools in the city center.