On March 23, the monthly data on the production and separate collection of waste on the metropolitan area for the year 2021 were published on page RIFIUTI URBANI E RACCOLTE DIFFERENZIATE - DATI MENSILI. The monthly data returns a general trend with even substantial deviations from the annual data which, on the other hand, will be validated only in the coming months.
The limitations due to the pandemic were significantly reduced during 2021, also under the pressure of the vaccination campaign, however production also suffered a reduction in the last year in particular in some months and a recovery in others in the following months, closing the year. with general stability compared to 2020.
It is clear that also for the year 2021 the production of waste is influenced by the change in lifestyles in relation to the pandemic, but it is very interesting to highlight that the total waste in 2021 continues to be appreciably lower than in 2019 (last year before the pandemic).
Separate collection in 2021 sees a percentage increase, compared to 2020, of about one and a half points, reaching a total of 59.1%. It can be expected that in 2021 the annual data will see the 60% threshold of separate waste collection reached (an important result although it is not yet adequate with respect to the legal target set at 65%).
The intercepted fractions (plastic, glass and organic) show an increase in 2021 compared to both 2020 and 2019; paper and cardboard instead recorded a further decrease (-0.8% compared to 2020) confirming the negative trend already recorded in 2020 (-8.5% in 2020 compared to 2019). Even the non-recoverable waste after a significant decrease in 2020, records a further -1.6% in 2021.
For further information, please refer to the Osservatorio Metropolitano Rifiuti page.