The commitment to recycling and waste separation isn’t just about waste management—it’s a reflection of local community values and priorities. Recycling rates vary across Abruzzo’s comuni, offering insights into local environmental awareness and practices. Openopolis dug into the data, looking not just who came top in the results but comparing them with localities that matched each for size of the municipality, terrain and local population to show their twin just what could be achieved if they tried harder. Palena (CH), famous for its orchids, manages to separate 92.8% of its waste, whereas Cappocia (AQ) sits at just 17.7%, 9 municipalities didn’t submit data.
64.6 % of waste collected in Abruzzo in 2023 was separated, Italy’s national target is 66.4%.
These stats provide an honest story to families or retirees considering relocation to Abruzzo. Recycling habits can be telling. Comuni with higher rates are often indicative of a commitment to sustainability, cleanliness, and community well-being. If they can’t be bothered with something as mundane as sorting rubbish what can they be bothered about?
Progress
As of 2021, Abruzzo has seen a positive trend in waste management, with a 4.5% reduction in waste disposed of in landfills compared to the previous year. Two of the provincial capitals are well above the national average, Teramo (72%) followed by Chieti (68.2%), where as Pescara (48.1%) and L’Aquila (44.5%) still have a long way to go to meet the national average (isprambiente.gov.it).
Rollover Abruzzo Openpolis’ Map to see the rates of each comune
Abruzzo Openpolis is a project by Fondazione openpolis, Fondazione Hubruzzo and Gran Sasso Science Institute .
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
