Collection model:
Source-separated collection of bio-waste widely implemented across municipalities since 2010.
Treatment model:
Bio-waste treated in regional composting facilities, including the large-scale Progeva composting plant producing soil improvers and compost-based products.
Key elements:
Regional bio-waste management system with high capture rates; large-scale composting infrastructure; promotion of certified compostable bags through the Compost Goal project; circular-economy training and employment initiatives.
Evidence of success:
(2021 data) ~370,000 t/year of bio-waste collected across ~4 million inhabitants (~93 kg/inhab./yr); participation rate ~80%, including large cities such as Bari and Lecce.
Awareness and engagement:
(2021–2023 SIRCLES project activities) Awareness campaigns led by CIC in four municipalities (Alberobello, Locorotondo, Noci, Putignano); promotion of compostable bags instead of polyethylene; training of 25 NEETs and women in composting, with 7 employed in a small-scale composting facility; engagement of citizens and businesses through information campaigns and “Green Label” initiatives for restaurants.
Italy
Scale: Regional
Demographic type: Mixed (urban / rural)
Population: 3,874,166 inh.; 198 inh./km² (2025)
Organisation in charge: Participating municipalities; Italian Composting and Biogas Consortium (CIC)
Source:
SIRCLES (2022): Guideline of Best Practices for Successful bio-waste Recycling.
SIRCLES (2023): Supporting Circular Economy Opportunities for Employment and Social Inclusion Good Practices Booklet.