Crotone – Separate waste collection numbers are growing in the city. In recent months we have witnessed an improvement in the quality of the service both in the neighborhoods where the door-to-door service is already active, but also in other areas where there are dedicated tubs. An increase that is entirely to the benefit of citizens who are however called upon to behave virtuously to achieve other objectives. Looking to the future starting from a base that is starting to produce the desired results is the slogan that is accompanying Akrea’s work. However, there are still critical issues to overcome. We talked about it with the president of the investee Alberto Padula.
How is collection going in percentage terms?
Last year, in June, waste separation stood at 28%. In less than a year, with the same resources, we have reached approximately 34% (February 2024 data). There was therefore an increase of approximately 5 points. Furthermore, the new service contract will provide for substantial investments in waste separation and communication. We will buy the tubs, we will increase the door-to-door service, there will be new areas served by recycling. All this will be supported by a communication campaign that will be implemented by both Akrea and the Municipality of Crotone.
In this context, how important is citizen commitment?
is critical! The message I want to send is this: differentiate more and better because correct and virtuous behavior leads to a reduction in bills in the medium term. I’ll give you an example: dirty waste is paid less by the platforms than clean waste. Furthermore, it is good to remember that ecological islands are operational; instead of leaving bulky items and material on the street, you can access the free service and also collect it, just write an email or call. This is important to improve collection in the exclusive interest of the community and the liveability of the city. Furthermore, in collaboration with the urban police, we are also carrying out checks which in many cases have led to sanctions for the incorrect behavior of some citizens.
In view of the summer season, is an implementation of waste separation planned near the bathing establishments and on the seafront?
We are planning to hire seasonal workers to implement services in areas that will have the most traffic. Since the extraordinary council was established, we have organized an evening team to empty the bins on the city seafront. Then in May the beach cleaning service will also start again.
Is there also particular attention for the historic center?
Of course, but here the incorrect behavior of citizens comes into play to which Akrea can respond but up to a certain point. Now we have to look to the future and the foundations are all there.
Collection times have been moved to save on night allowances. However, in various parts of the city, this causes an increase in traffic during rush hour…
It’s true but the reorganization of services made it possible to save around 500 thousand euros in personnel costs over the course of the year. Without prejudice to the fact that we are trying to optimize the collection also in terms of routes and types of activities, we have preferred to maintain these times.
Will they continue to be like this?
For the moment yes, also because in some areas, such as Tufolo-Farina, the collection is carried out twice a day. it is clear that there are and will be inconveniences but at this moment the priority is to optimize the service while preserving the company budget.
VR
