Italy steps up actions against plastic waste and litter

The European anti‑plastic directive, set to ban single‑use items by 2021, is being reinforced in Italy through a new decree that earmarks €20 million for merchants to create bulk‑sale ‘green corners’ and promotes reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, glass bottles, bamboo toothbrushes and creative recycling ideas.

In the town of Brivio, a public waste bin at the cemetery has become overloaded with illegal dumpings. Ornella Pozzoni, a representative of the NGO Plastic Free and minority member of the municipal Ecology and Environment commission, urges the council to adopt concrete measures—including phototraps, regular monitoring and fines—to curb recurring litter, noting that past discussions have not resolved the problem.