Italian cities boost plastic waste reduction efforts

In Bisceglie, the volunteer group Plastic Free Bisceglie mobilises residents to clean streets and coastal areas, aiming to curb plastic pollution. The association, founded in 2019, now operates in 40 countries and reports that Italian volunteers removed an estimated 575 tonnes of waste in 2025, with 53 000 participants nationwide.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Gravina has issued a new directive requiring residents to use semi‑transparent bags for plastic waste, stating that black bags hinder visual inspection and will not be collected. The rule is intended to improve the efficiency of the waste‑treatment system and ensure proper sorting of recyclable material.