by InTrieste
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Trieste has introduced the first collection points for used cooking oil in street recycling stations. The initiative was inaugurated by Michele Babuder and Luca Vascotto of AcegasApsAmga Environmental Services, alongside Francesca Tion, head of the Urban Hygiene Service.
The new system integrates with the existing Recycling Centers, offering a simple and practical method for disposing of used oil. Citizens are encouraged to deposit the oil in tightly sealed plastic bottles, which are then placed in specially designed containers.
“An Important and Useful Service,” Says Babuder
Michele Babuder, the Territorial Policies Councillor, underscored the importance and utility of this experimental service. “Since taking office, I have been committed to addressing the numerous requests from citizens and local authorities for improved waste management solutions,” Babuder stated. “We hope this initiative will foster responsible disposal practices, allowing us to expand the service to other neighborhoods.”
Vascotto: “A Step Forward for Recycling in Trieste”
Luca Vascotto from AcegasApsAmga highlighted the initiative’s potential impact. “In cities like Trieste, used oil collection can reach up to 60 tons. By introducing these containers, we could potentially double our current collection rates,” Vascotto commented. “This project is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance Trieste’s recycling infrastructure. We are in constant dialogue with the Municipal Administration to find solutions that facilitate waste disposal.”
22 New Containers to Be Distributed Across Trieste
The introduction of 22 new saffron-colored containers, strategically placed throughout the city, marks a significant expansion in waste management services. These containers, designed specifically for used cooking oil, reflect a growing public awareness of the environmental impact of improper oil disposal.
Simplified Collection Process
The process for disposing of used oil is straightforward: residents are asked to place tightly sealed plastic bottles containing cooled oil directly into the containers. These containers, capable of holding 200-300 one-liter bottles, are equipped with protections to withstand weather and other external factors. Additionally, used cooking oil can still be taken to AcegasApsAmga’s bulky, unusual, or hazardous waste collection centers.
Addressing a Highly Polluting Waste
Currently, Trieste residents can dispose of used oil at four collection centers in the city, where nearly 27 tons were collected in 2023. Given that used oil is a common household waste, its proper disposal is crucial to preventing environmental contamination. The introduction of these new containers aims to simplify this process for residents.
Aiding the Environment and Fuel Production
Properly collected used oil can be recycled into sustainable fuel. Trieste’s used oil contributes to the HOVE (Hera Used Vegetable Oil) project, an agreement between the Hera Group and ENI that utilizes used oils in biofuel production. This initiative underscores the environmental impact of used oil: while one liter of oil can pollute up to 1,000 square meters of sea, it can also produce one liter of biofuel if disposed of correctly.
List of Collection Points
The new containers will be distributed across various locations in the city, including Prosecco, Santa Croce, Basovizza, and several districts within Trieste. A comprehensive list of these locations is available to ensure easy access for all residents.
