How is recycling collected in Venice?

Managing waste collection in a large city can be challenging, but doing so in a city built on water demands truly exceptional organisation. In Venice, where all movement takes place on foot or by boat, waste disposal follows rules and procedures that differ significantly from those in other urban areas. A carefully coordinated schedule, organised by sestieri and time slots, helps to keep the historic centre and surrounding islands clean. Here’s how the system works.

Waste collection in Venice: a unique system for a unique city

The service is organised with a clear distinction based on both waste type and geographical area. The historic city centre, the inhabited islands and the surrounding districts are all part of a dedicated collection scheme designed to minimise environmental impact and promote recycling, despite the logistical challenges involved.

Waste collection schedule in the historic centre and Islands

In the historic centre and on the islands of Murano, Burano, Giudecca (excluding the former Junghans area and Sacca Fisola) and Mazzorbo, waste collection is organised as follows:

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: paper, cardboard and Tetra Pak
• Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: glass, plastic and cans
• Monday to Saturday: residual unsorted waste

Waste must be taken to the designated collection boats operated by Veritas, moored at fixed points, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Alternatively, a door-to-door service is available: the assigned operator rings the doorbell between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to collect the waste bags. This system offers greater flexibility for households.

The technologies used for waste separation in Venice

The boats used for waste collection in Venice are fitted with internal compactors, each dedicated to a specific type of waste. Loading is carried out manually by operators, who also oversee the correct sorting of materials. The service is exclusively available to residents, who must present identification at the time of disposal. In addition to collection, the calli and fondamenta are swept manually every morning to maintain urban cleanliness and reduce the spread of litter.

Special collection points and mobile recycling centres

Non-ordinary waste—such as expired medicines, light bulbs, used oils, electrical appliances and paint—can be disposed of at the fixed recycling centre located in Santa Marta, in the Scomenzera canal area. The facility is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays by appointment only. Full collection schedules for each sestiere are available via official information channels. As with other services, this one is reserved exclusively for domestic users.

Collection of bulky waste and used cooking oil

For large items such as furniture, electrical appliances or other materials requiring disposal, residents can request a free home collection service, up to a maximum volume of one cubic metre. The service must be booked in advance, and the resident is required to be present at the time of collection. In addition, eight drop-off points for used cooking oil from households are currently available across the city. Proper disposal of this type of waste helps prevent water pollution and supports the recycling process for biodiesel production.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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Sustainability

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