Recycling: Italy leader in Europe according to Assoambiente.
Good news for sustainable development: Italy is first among the European countries for recycling and the circular economy, but there is still a lot to do.
The Italia Che Ricicla 2022 report showed that Italy is the leader in Europe in terms of recycling and circularity of materials. Our country is in second place after Germany, with a recovery rate of over 65%, increasing by 5% compared to 2019. This percentage represents a higher score than the European average: despite the health emergency due to the pandemic has caused delays in awareness campaigns, awareness of the most virtuous recycling practices is constantly growing.
Thanks to the commitment of industrial operators and measures aimed at promoting the recycling market, we are witnessing a change in the Italian environmental culture. In particular, the systematic use of the circular economy allows Italy to better absorb the pressures on the environment caused by disposal and limitless consumerism.
The relationship: the Italian primacy
The annual report by Assoambiente and REF , which presents an overview of the current situation of recycling in Italy. The report shows that Italy is the leader in Europe in terms of recycling , followed by Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Finland. Furthermore, it appears to be the second European nation for the circularity of materials. Specifically, the report found that Italy exceeded the EU 2020 recycling targets by 65%, reaching as much as 67%; however, the figures are still extremely low compared to other European countries such as Switzerland (over 80%). The report also underlines the need to establish measures aimed at further promoting the recycling chain and fostering market development:
- tax incentives for companies that invest in reducing the environmental impact produced by municipal waste;
- greater transparency on the quality of recycled materials offered by collection centres;
- involvement of public bodies in the promotion of separate waste collection.
In conclusion, with this Italy That Recycles 2022 Report, Assoambiente and REF invite you to take concrete actions in order to further improve waste treatment processes and facilitate the development of recycling in Italy.
The Assoambiente-REF
The collaboration between Assoambiente and REF is proving to be a winning alliance for spreading the culture of recycling in Italy. Their union is responsible for the creation of the annual report on the recycling industry, which shows how Italy is a leader in Europe. The report provides valuable data on the environmental impact of waste and the measures needed to foster the market. The joint efforts of Assoambiente and REF have helped promote more sustainable economic models, offering all Italians more accessible tools to become more aware consumers. With this partnership, a new trend has emerged within the Italian environmental sector: the use of innovative techniques aimed at reducing the environmental impact and promoting a more circular future.
Although Italy is a leader in Europe for waste recycling, there is still a lot to do. In fact, the results show a drop in the percentage of non-recycled waste, from 17% to 14%, and an increase in the percentage of recycled materials. This demonstrates Italy’s willingness to commit itself to reducing the environmental impact of waste. However, while this is undoubtedly good news, there is still a long way to go before materials can actually be reused in circular production loops. To promote these practices , concrete policy measures are needed to foster innovative and collaborative enterprises in the sector, encouraging new technologies such as the sharing economy, adequate investments in the sector and education on the importance of recycling.
Assessment by the Chamber Environment Commission
As we have mentioned, the recycling sector needs concrete measures aimed at encouraging the increase of separate collection and recycling of materials. In this sense, it is necessary to encourage businesses and citizens to produce less waste, for example through greater environmental awareness in the context of responsible consumption. There should also be special taxes and incentives for companies using secondary raw materials or investing in state-of-the-art recycling technologies. Furthermore, it is essential to offer specific training tools for the correct management of waste and to encourage the development of an international recycling market.
Only with these measures could we actively contribute to the achievement of the objectives indicated in the Italy that Recycles Report 2022. The Environment Commission of the Chamber has in fact underlined the importance of implementing a series of structural reforms and incentives aimed at promoting the culture of recycling in Italy. This is an essential strategy that would accompany the measures already adopted by the government to improve the efficiency of separate waste collection, technological innovation, environmental education and environmental protection.
The president Hon. Rotelli then remarked how it is necessary to invest in a culture of recycling that involves both citizens and the private sector, also considering the economic and employment aspects linked to the matter. In this context, it is necessary to guarantee more public services , more specialized skills and continuous training on environmental issues for all those who provide assistance to businesses and those involved in correctly managing waste. The Environment Commission of the Chamber would also intend to set ambitious goals to be achieved in 2022, with particular attention to the quantitative and qualitative reduction of waste production.
