Why should we recycle?
The Directive 2008/98 of the European Union (file pdf 158 KB), which establishes a legal framework for waste treatment in the Member States, includes the so-called Waste hierarchy, an order that puts the reduction at the top of the priority scale, followed by re-use, recycling and recovery and, finally, disposal.
In fact, as described in the page dedicated to waste disposal, European standards require that Member States increasingly restrict the use of landfills, with the exception of some categories of waste, and that instead, separate collection is encouraged.
The recycling of waste, that is definided as the set of methods and strategies aimed at recovering useful materials from waste, is therefore of significant importance. To maximize recycling it is necessary that the differentiated collection of the different fractions (paper, plastic, glass, metals, etc...) is done in the most correct way, to obtain good quality material to be destined for recycling plants. Later, with specific production processes, new materials and products will be obtained. If you have doubts on how to make the separate collection in the most correct way, consult our Dictionary of waste: in addition to finding out which container to put them in, you'll find many interesting suggestions to reduce their production.
The differentiated collection of the different waste can be done either by giving them to the appropriate containers placed on the road (bins maps: paper, plastic, glass and metal, organic, clothes) or in the courtyards of the buildings or, especially for certain types of waste (for example bulky waste, appliances, hazardous waste, etc...) at the so-called Waste collection centers.
The waste that cannot be sent for recycling must be sent to the bins of unsorted waste, both road and domestic, and at the collection centers.
On the "Where I throw it" page you will find a practical interactive map that will help you find the roadside bin or collection center closest to you.
To learn more about waste recycling processes, visit the page dedicated to the Waste Cycle.