Italy leads European packaging recycling efforts

Italy is demonstrating significant progress in waste management and recycling, positioning itself well ahead of upcoming European Union regulations. According to the National Packaging Consortium (Conai), Italy recycled 77.3% of its packaging in 2025, totaling nearly 11 million tonnes. This performance places the country as a European leader in per capita packaging material recycling, exceeding targets set by the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) scheduled for implementation in August 2026.

Key material sectors driving these figures include paper and cardboard, with a 92.6% recycling rate, glass at over 82%, and steel at 82.2%.

On a local level, the municipality of Radicondoli reported a 35% increase in waste sorting in 2025, reaching a rate of 68.89%. Following a new model introduced with Sei Toscana, the town saw significant growth in its recycling efforts, with data through May 2026 showing stabilization above 70%. Local authorities noted that these improvements have allowed for stable waste tax rates for domestic users.