New Year’s Eve in Rome ended with a balance that goes far beyond the celebrations. To the count of injuries and the tragic death caused by the explosion of firecrackers, there is now an evident urban wound. According to initial estimates by Ama, the company that manages waste collection in the capital, more than 250 containers including bins, glass bells and baskets have been set on fire, vandalized or seriously set on fire.
The fires were not concentrated in a single area, but affected numerous neighbourhoods, a sign of a widespread and non-episodic phenomenon. The flames engulfed plastic and metal structures, rendering many containers completely unusable.
The neighborhoods affected and the damage estimate
The reports received in the following hours speak of damage in areas such as Monte Cervialto, viale Isacco Newton, via Molfetta, piazza Alfonso Capecelatro, via Vincenzo Tomassini, largo Ferruccio Mengaroni, via Giovanni Battista Scozza, via Ascanio Rivaldi and along the Gianicolense ring road. In some cases the bins have been completely destroyed, in others they are compromised and dangerous, forcing Ama to remove them immediately to avoid risks to residents and passers-by.
At dawn on January 1st, technical checks began by Ama staff, busy surveying the damage and planning the necessary replacements. The income statement is heavy: between removal of the remains, reclamation of the areas, purchase and installation of the new containers, the provisional estimate is around 250 thousand euros. A figure that will inevitably end up burdening the community.
The smart bins were saved
Not everything, however, has been lost. The smart bins, more expensive and technologically advanced, were deactivated remotely as early as December 31st via the Ucronia control room. A preventive measure that prevented the insertion of firecrackers inside them, avoiding even more extensive damage. Out of around 1,800 smart bins, the choice to temporarily turn them off proved decisive.
Unfortunately we cannot say the same for the over 250 bins that were destroyed. Episodes that once again rekindle the debate on vandalism linked to barrels, which are often illegal. New Year’s Eve, for Rome, was not just a party, but yet another proof of how irresponsible behavior can turn into a social and economic cost that weighs on everyone.
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