Bologna enters the small group of the top twenty cities in the world for circular economy and waste management. The recognition comes from the United Nations Advisory Committee on Zero Waste, which selected the Emilia-Romagna capital as an example of good urban practices. The chosen cities will be officially presented on March 30, on the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, during events in Nairobi and New York.
What it means to be a “Zero Waste” city
The concept of Zero Waste City does not imply the total absence of waste, but a strategy aimed at minimizing what ends up in landfill or incinerators. The objective is to increase the so-called diversion rate, i.e. the share of waste recovered through recycling and composting. To achieve this, concrete policies are needed: waste separation at source, door-to-door systems, reduction of single-use packaging and educational programs aimed at citizens.
The numbers that convinced the UN
One of the main reasons for choosing Bologna is linked to the results achieved. In 2024, separate waste collection in the metropolitan city reached 75.1%, a strong growth figure compared to previous years. In just three years, the rate went from 63.2% to over 72%, with significant flows of organic, paper and cardboard, multi-materials and plastic sent for recovery.
Smart bins and punctual tariff
The widespread use of smart bins has also made the difference. These devices are able to signal when they are full or broken, but above all to accurately record the contributions. Each bin is associated with users, allowing the “Pay as you throw away” principle to be applied: the more unsorted waste produced, the higher the Tari will be. A system that encourages virtuous behavior without resorting to generalized sanctions.
Reduction of disposable waste and public initiatives
The Bolognese strategy is not limited to collection. The city has also focused on reducing single-use waste, introducing rules for public events and promoting reuse projects. In large-scale events, such as the Bologna Marathon, diversion rates of up to 95% have been achieved, demonstrating that even complex events can be managed in a circular manner.
A model inserted into a wider network
Bologna is not an isolated case. Italy hosts the world’s largest network of Zero Waste Municipalities, with 340 administrations involved, mostly under 100,000 inhabitants. One of the first certified European entities was Capannori, in the province of Lucca, with 46,000 inhabitants, confirming that good practices also work outside large urban centres.
Towards climate neutrality
The UN recognition is part of the Bologna Missione Clima project, with which the city joins the European mission of 100 climate neutral cities by 2030. Waste management thus becomes a central piece of a broader decarbonisation strategy, based on technology, citizen participation and measurable environmental policies.
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