by InTrieste
Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Trieste is working to address an environmental challenge: low recycling rates. The city and its surrounding province currently rank among the lowest in Italy for waste separation, with only 45.7% of trash being sorted for recycling. This figure, provided by AcegasApsAmga, is significantly below the national average of 65% and far from Friuli Venezia Giulia’s regional target of 75% by 2027.
Recycling Trends and Public Perception
Paper is the most recycled material in Trieste, followed by glass and plastic, while organic waste represents only a small fraction of separated materials. Much of what residents throw away could be recycled, highlighting room for improvement in waste management practices.
Public skepticism about the recycling process may be one factor holding back progress. A commonly held belief suggests that separated waste ultimately ends up mixed together during processing. However, AcegasApsAmga reports that 96.5% of recycled materials are successfully recovered and repurposed, countering this perception.
Economic Implications
In Italy, cities with lower recycling rates often face higher waste disposal costs. Trieste residents pay an average waste tax (TARI) of €313 annually, significantly higher than Udine (€186) and Pordenone (€207), two cities in the same region with more effective recycling systems. These figures are based on a typical household of three people in a 100-square-meter home, according to a 2024 report by Cittadinanzattiva.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to boost recycling rates in Trieste are crucial as the city works to align with regional and national sustainability goals. Enhanced public education, improved access to recycling infrastructure, and incentives for proper waste sorting may help address the issue.
While challenges remain, progress in waste separation could benefit both the environment and residents’ finances, reinforcing the importance of collective action in achieving sustainability goals.
