Etna volcanic ash proposal aims to turn waste into bio-construction resource

Sicilian regional assessor for Infrastructure and Mobility, Alessandro Aricò, has proposed transforming Etna's volcanic ash from a waste product into a resource for bio-construction. The proposal involves treating and recovering the material for use in eco-friendly building products, provided it meets technical and regulatory standards.

To support local municipalities facing frequent ash falls, Aricò has called for a technical commission to evaluate including specific line items in the regional unified price list for public works. This would provide clear cost references for the removal, collection, transport, and disposal of volcanic ash, helping local authorities manage emergencies and administrative procedures more effectively.

The architectural association ArchLife has welcomed the move, stating that including these costs in the regional price list marks a significant shift from emergency-based management to a structured, ordinary administrative process. ArchLife president Salvo Patanè noted that this provides municipalities with the necessary economic and administrative tools to coexist with the recurring volcanic phenomenon.