Trash Talking Lucca

Commingled Bin, Recycled Sin

In the US, we often talk about “throwing away” items, but it raises an important question: where even exactly is “away”? This practice usually means sending waste to landfills, frequently without considering the environmental impact. In our Northern Virginia suburb, all recyclables are mixed together in a single bin, and honestly, I sometimes question how much actually gets recycled. While this all-in-one system is convenient, it often leads to non-recyclable items contaminating the recyclables, which can result in entire batches being diverted to landfills.

In contrast, Lucca has a highly effective, albeit sometimes confusing, recycling system. The Lucchesi (residents of Lucca) approach to sorting and recycling is a model of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

These "Garby" bins are located on the corner near our apartment and throughout town. Their introduction several years ago means that bags of trash are not left outside for animals to get into.

A Rainbow of Rubbish Bins

A key card is used to access the trash and recycling bins.

In Lucca Centro Storico, waste management is a colorful affair, with each color-coded bin beckoning for its rightful recyclables. Yellow for plastics and metals, blue for paper, green for glass, brown for organic waste, and gray for general refuse. There are specific guidelines for everything...down to your used chewing gum and receipts. It can be overwhelming at first, but you can quickly get the groove of things.

Bins are emptied on designated days. On the day paper refuse is picked up you will see stacks of flattened boxes in front of storefronts awaiting pick-up. Likewise, it's easy to tell when it's glass day by the sounds of bottles crashing throughout town!

The Compost Connoisseurs

Unlike in the US, where in-sink garbage disposals are common for managing food waste, Lucca has a different approach. In Lucca, old vegetables, fruit peels, coffee grounds, and other organic waste are collected in a dedicated brown bin. This bin is not just for disposal—it’s an essential part of a system that transforms organic waste into rich, fertile compost. The city’s commitment to composting ensures that food scraps are repurposed into valuable soil, enhancing local gardens and reducing landfill waste. This practice not only supports sustainable agriculture but also demonstrates a broader cultural commitment to environmental stewardship and waste reduction.

Plastic Packaging Dupe

A lot of produce in Italy is packaged in materials that look like plastic but aren't, showcasing innovative, compostable alternatives designed to mimic traditional plastic while remaining environmentally friendly. This thoughtful approach helps reduce plastic waste and prompts residents and visitors to think critically about their recycling habits. Insider tip: These bags are intended to break down in composting environments, which means you won't want to leave your organic trash sitting in them for too long or you'll have a mess on your hands. It's another good reminder to take out the potentially stinky organic trash frequently!

Italy also took a significant step by phasing out plastic bags starting in 2011 and implementing a comprehensive ban by 2018. In contrast, many states in the US are only recently beginning to follow suit with their own plastic bag bans.

Breaking down the boxes for recycing following our move-in took days!

Boxed Up

In Italy, cardboard packaging often takes a more sustainable approach compared to some other countries. Shippers commonly use thinner cardboard, which not only reduces material usage but also makes it easier to break down for recycling. This was particularly helpful when we were moving in, as we had a mountain of boxes to dispose of. The thinner cardboard simplified the process, allowing us to efficiently cut it into strips for recycling. Additionally, many Italian shippers prefer paper tape over plastic, further minimizing the environmental impact of their packaging.

Trashy Tourists

For tourists, managing trash and recycling while visiting can feel very complicated. Being a good steward of our home in Lucca means embracing practices that minimize our impact and promote sustainable living. By educating visitors on proper trash management and recycling, we aim to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. We provide clear guidelines on how to sort waste, emphasizing the importance of separating recyclables from general waste. This commitment to sustainable practices helps preserve the beauty of Lucca for future generations while ensuring a more meaningful and respectful travel experience.

It's important for guests visiting Lucca to understand and adhere to the local waste management practices. In an effort to make trash and recycling less overwhelming for our guests, we provide this "cheat sheet" with specifics. Our apartment has five bins in the kitchen to make sorting waste as easy as possible.

Lucca's Environmental Prowess

Sistema Ambiente employee powerwashing the sidwalk in front of our building following a Lucca Summer Festival concert.

Lucca is not just another pretty face – it’s one of the cleanest towns in Italy I've seen. The local waste management company, Sistema Ambiente, deserves applause for their superb job.

Each year, 60-80k people come through our walls for the summer concerts alone. In July, we witnessed overflowing trash containers, cigarette butts, and empty beer bottles littering the streets as concert-goers lined up. Sistema Ambiente literally started the clean-up as ticket-holders were ushered into the show and by morning, our city was back to its sparkling clean glory with no trace!

While much of Italy is often praised for its progressive waste management practices, it’s worth noting that not all cities in the country achieve the same level of efficiency. Some cities in Italy have faced significant challenges with waste management, including high-profile trash crises, illegal dumping, and insufficient collection systems. During a recent visit, we were struck by the sight of trash piled up on freeway ramps in one city, highlighting the difficulties some areas face in maintaining cleanliness.

Waste Wisdom

Sistema Ambiente has a campaign to encourage people to pick up after their pets.

Here’s a little secret – if you're doing it right, your non-recyclable trash in Lucca is never full. With so much waste being recycled or composted, the general non-recyclable bin stays surprisingly empty. However, organic waste tends to pile up quickly, so taking out the organic trash more often is a must.

So, next time you’re in Lucca, embrace the recycling revolution. Take a moment to appreciate the dedication and care Lucchesi put into waste management. It’s a small, daily act of love for the planet and our city – and an opportunity for us all to learn a thing or two.