Italian municipalities push for better waste collection as litter worsens

In Castel del Rio, local officials and the Pro Castel del Rio Committee warn that waste along the Santerno river is increasingly visible, harming the town’s tourist image. They call for immediate clean‑up actions, continuous monitoring, and improved municipal services, noting that the utility group Hera’s campaigns are insufficient without concrete on‑ground solutions.

In the Sicilian city of Gela, the municipal administration has launched a new awareness campaign after the waste‑handling firm reported many complaints about missed collections caused by residents mixing different materials in a single bag. The city aims to reach a 65 % recycling rate, which would unlock economic incentives and potentially allow a reduction in the local waste tax. It also warns that non‑compliant bags may receive a red label and be subject to police checks and fines.