by Valentina Salcedo
In a morning presentation held on Monday, November 20, attended by Michele Babuder, the Municipality’s assessor for Territorial Policies, Massimo Buiatti, Director of Environmental Services at AcegasApsAmga, and representatives from major supermarket chains, Coop, In’s, Aldi, and Pam, the collaborative project between the Municipality of Trieste and AcegasApsAmga aimed at improving supermarket recycling was introduced.
The initiative stems from the understanding that effective recycling begins not only with citizens but also with supermarkets. The joint project seeks to assist large retail stores in the city in enhancing their recycling efforts. The goal is to elevate both the quality and quantity of recycling in Trieste.
Michele Babuder, the Municipal Assessor for Territorial Policies, expressed gratitude to the representatives of major retail brands participating in the project. “The Municipality of Trieste is committed to various significant initiatives for environmental conservation, providing citizens with a recycling service that facilitates proper waste separation. Over the past few months, several initiatives have been implemented to achieve tangible results,” said Michele Babuder. He also took the opportunity to thank AcegasApsAmga for their support during the atmospheric events that affected the Barcolana Riviera earlier in November.
Massimo Buiatti, Director of Environmental Services at AcegasApsAmga, explained that Trieste’s local stores have been practicing recycling for some time. However, major chains, due to their nature, generate a substantial amount of waste, especially in the form of product packaging. The project aims to improve the quality and quantity of recycling produced by these stores through targeted initiatives at individual chain outlets.
As of now, six major supermarket chains have already joined the project: Aldi, Coop, Despar, Eurospesa, In’s, and PAM, totaling 46 points of sale. Store managers have undergone dedicated training provided by AcegasApsAmga.
Project Details: Training, Assessments, and Experimental Organic Waste Collection
While training is a crucial first step, AcegasApsAmga has conducted site visits to all participating supermarkets, assessing specific needs and proposing suitable solutions to facilitate recycling based on available spaces. Dedicated containers, some equipped with locks, have been provided where stores lacked enclosed storage space.
In the coming days, AcegasApsAmga will launch an experimental service for organic waste collection at all project-participating supermarkets. The aim is to evaluate the quantity and quality of organic waste, considering the possibility of making this service permanent. Many supermarkets already collaborate with non-profit organizations against food waste. The experimental service by AcegasApsAmga focuses specifically on collecting residual organic waste, aligning with the commitment to never waste food.
Communication Campaign: Encouraging Citizen Participation
To promote the project, AcegasApsAmga and the Municipality of Trieste have created window displays that participating stores can showcase. This visual campaign, echoing the citywide communication since September, will be displayed on bus shelters, Trieste Trasporti buses, and AcegasApsAmga’s stand at the Barcolana. The window displays not only remind customers that the store practices recycling but also aims to raise awareness among citizens to contribute to daily waste separation.
The opportunity to join the project remains open to other chains, with inquiries directed to serviziaziende@acegasapsamga.it.
