Doing recycling well and carefully differentiated waste collection in this historical moment is of fundamental importance. Carrying it out properly makes it possible to recycle as much waste as possible, which would otherwise be dispersed in the environment or sent to incinerators. For this it is necessary that citizens are properly informed and that institutions are well organized. In this article we will find out what it is, what is the purpose of the separate collection and how to do it correctly. WHAT IS SEPARATE WASTE COLLECTION AND WHAT IS IT FOR? Despite the fact that it is an activity of primary importance for the safeguarding of the environment, there are many people who still do not have clear ideas about what separate waste collection is and how fundamental it is to save the environment in the crisis in which the planet finds itself. The differentiated collectionis the separation of all recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones. The local public administration, i.e. municipality, region, province or municipality, organizes itself on a shared basis to better manage this activity. In some areas it is possible to find the bins at the roadside, in others there is a calendar to be respected with some days of separate collection specific days on which to leave certain waste in front of the house for collection. The following are collected in this way: undifferentiated dry waste paper and cardboard; glass; aluminium and metals; organic; plastic. In some cases, however, it is necessary to go to the nearest ecological island for correct disposal. For example for waste: bulky items; electrical waste; special waste. DIFFERENTIATED WASTE COLLECTION: A SHARED EFFORT The difficulty in making separate differentiated waste collection is that it is a synergic work in which both institutions and citizens play a fundamental role. The public administration must have: a well-structured programme; adequate places to dispose of waste; ecological operators; collection equipment. Equally central is the commitment of individual citizens and families. Everyone in the home must organise themselves in such a way as to keep waste properly sorted. Parents must educate their children to respect the environment also through this daily organization, but before that they themselves must find all the necessary strategies to avoid making mistakes, starting from correct information. DIFFERENTIATED WASTE COLLECTION: SOME USEFUL ADVICE In separate collection for each material there are common mistakes that we can avoid in order to implement at best. Here are some important indications: Glass All containers must be washed. Bottles, jars, vases and glasses can be thrown into the glass; however, light bulbs, mirrors, neon lights, crystal glasses and Pyrex containers cannot be put in. When washing, it is best to use as little water as possible. Paper Paper and cardboard packages should be crushed to reduce their size. You can recycle all cartons that are not plasticised and not soiled with food or oil. For example, pizza boxes, baking paper, plates and glasses should not be recycled. Wet waste All organic waste can be disposed of in this container together with non-plasticised paper napkins. Care must be taken to use biodegradable bags. A valid alternative for the collection and disposal of wet waste is to a compost bin.. This is an alternative that is not only environmentally friendly, but also economical. It allows the This is an alternative that is not only environmentally friendly, but also economical. It allows the waste cycle to be closed correctly, given that organic waste makes up about a third of the total household waste and provides a natural organic fertiliser. Undifferentiated All soiled materials, but also CDs, DVDs, toys, fake flowers, toothbrushes, etc. go into this collection. Remember that glasses, plates and ceramic cups should not be thrown in the glass but in undifferentiated waste. PLASTIC IN SEPARATE WASTE COLLECTION In this historical period the problem of plastic is one of the most important. Not only is it necessary to intervene to reduce the production of plastic, but it is also fundamental to act for its correct disposal and recycling. Only in this way it will be possible to reduce the pollution caused by this material that generates serious damages to the environment. How to do it? The first steps to ensure the proper recycling of plastic are: clean it from food residues, glue, paints or other; remove paper labels; crush the containers to make them flat. When making the differentiated collection it must be remembered that there are different types of plastic. To recognise non-recyclable plastic, there are symbols that can help us. On the container, look for the On the container, look for the triangle formed by three arrows, and if there is the number 07 in the centre, this means that the plastic must be disposed of as non-recyclable waste. For example, we cannot put between the plastic: toys; coffee capsules; syringes; cutlery (but plates and glasses can be recycled); all containers that are dirty or contaminated with other materials such as glue or labels, etc. Instead, you can recycle bottles; bags; food trays; films; bottles and dispensers; jerry cans (in the case of hazardous fluids, please contact the nearest ecological island); vases; plates and glasses. To guarantee a better future for the planet and for future generations, separate waste collection is important. As far as plastic is concerned, it is necessary to act at the root trying to discourage its production through one's own purchases, because unfortunately the recycling percentage is still too low compared to the new plastic produced every year. For example, for household cleaning you can focus on R5 refills that are free of this material or on kits that include a reusable diffuser to reduce plastic pollution.
