Catania is a city that enchants with its Baroque architecture and the energy of Mount Etna, but it cannot be denied that it is facing a complex challenge: the transition to modern waste management. For those who own a home or manage a B&B in Catania, waste sorting is not just a civic duty; it is a crucial element for the property's value and urban decorum.
In this article, we clarify how the current system works and how to avoid common mistakes.
1. The Door-to-Door System: A Necessary Revolution
After years of street-side bins, Catania has switched (almost entirely) to Door-to-Door collection. This means every household has its own bins (mastelli) or bags that must be placed outside the main door according to a specific schedule. The Apartment Building Issue: In many historic buildings in the city center, space for bins is limited. It is crucial for property managers and owners to coordinate the collection times to avoid "wild" piles of bags on the sidewalks.
2. The Schedule: The Catania Citizen’s Bible
Waste collection in Catania is divided by zones (Center, North, South Lots). Generally, the logic follows this pattern:
-
Organic (Food Waste): Usually collected 3 times a week.
-
Plastic & Metals: Once a week.
-
Paper & Cardboard: Once a week.
-
Glass: Often collected separately or on specific days.
-
Residual Waste (Non-recyclable): This is collected least frequently (once a week) to encourage citizens to sort better.
3. Investment and Short-Term Rentals: The "Guest" Factor
If you manage a vacation home in Catania, waste management is your #1 challenge.
-
Communication: Don't assume a tourist (perhaps American or German) understands the local schedule. It is essential to hang a clear guide behind the door, ideally with icons and colors, in two languages.
-
The Guest Kit: Providing different colored bags and clearly explaining where to leave waste on the final night is the only way to prevent your doorway from becoming an illegal dump, leading to neighbor complaints and negative reviews.
4. Zero Tolerance: Fines and Inspections
The Municipality of Catania has intensified checks with "Environmental Guards" and the use of cameras against fly-tipping.
-
No Black Bags: The use of non-transparent black bags is strictly forbidden. If operators cannot see the content, they will not collect it.
-
Sanctions: Fines can be steep (from €100 upwards) and often fall on the property owner if the tenant is not correctly identified.
5. Recycling Centers: An Underutilized Resource
For bulky waste (mattresses, old furniture, appliances), Catania offers several Recycling Centers (Isole Ecologiche, such as those in Viale Artale Alagona or Via Maria Gianni). There is also a free home pickup service available by phone reservation. Never abandon furniture in the street: besides being a crime, it damages the image of our city.
Domus Sicilia Immobiliare’s Advice
The cleanliness of a street determines the value of the properties facing it. At Domus Sicilia, we believe a cleaner Catania is a wealthier Catania, more attractive to the international market.
Add comment
Comments