Everyone can do something in their own small way, every day and in their own can do something to help the environment. But how? The simplest gesture is to separate your rubbish. Separating waste makes it easier to recycle, which in turn reduces pollution and wasted resources.

What is separate collection of waste

The separate collection system consists of grouping municipal waste according to its type, i.e. paper, plastic, glass, aluminium and organic fraction. This waste is intended for recycling, so when we talk about separate collection, we are talking about sustainable waste management. 

Materials that are not sorted separately are part of the unsorted waste, e.g. DVDs, cosmetic cases, electric wires, small clothing and stationery. 

Benefits of separate waste collection

Separate waste collection has several benefits, both for the environment and for the consumer's pocket. Recycling makes it possible to convert materials thrown away into new products without using additional energy.

On the one hand, sustainable waste management reduces the amount of toxic materials that end up in landfills, thereby reducing pollution; on the other hand, the reuse of raw materials after recycling allows for significant savings in natural resources and therefore a reduction in pollutant emissions.

Separate collection is also good for the economy. The production of new products from recycled materials reduces energy consumption compared to the production of the same items using raw materials that have never been used before. Finally, the operation of large recycling facilities requires skilled personnel. This creates more jobs, which is also good for the economy.

Tips for waste sorting collection

In order to optimise the separate collection process, it is a good practice to pay attention to the following aspects:

• reduce the volume of the waste so that it does not take up too much space and so that the reader at the recycling plant can identify the plastic material more quickly;
• rinsing dirty bottles and containers to facilitate waste management during recycling;
• separate materials in items made up of several elements.

Sorted waste collection in Italy

Separate collection is increasing in all Italian regions. The national average is 64%, with peaks of 76% and 74% in Veneto and Sardinia respectively. Treviso is confirmed as the most virtuous city, with 88% of waste separated and managed.

PAL Green Division's engagement

Separate collection allows PAL Green Division to act promptly and efficiently in waste treatment through proper plants for converting organic waste into renewable energy. The recycling of glass, plastic and paper allows for the maximization of sorting efficiency and the reduction of waste.