For the past 10 years, Lucca has consistently led the region in recycling, and it continues to do so. At 46.2 percent of the total waste generated, the recycling rate in Lucca outstrips the regional average of 36.2 percent, according to data from Istat, the National Institute of Statistics.
Lucca’s mayor, Mauro Favilla, attributes the success to strong public campaigns that raise awareness, starting with school kids in the classroom. By investing money in such campaigns, which yield results, the city council can limit the tax on waste collection.
The mayor also praises residents’ passion and commitment to environmental issues, which has made the promotion of recycling all the easier. However, the Tuscan town still has a way to go if it is to match the German’s rate of recycling, which in some areas is as high as 70 percent.
