(best examples and good practices) on household organic waste ...

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The total amount of waste produced in 1998 was 64 000 tones (approximately
320 kg/inhabitant); in 1998, 7 571 tons of food waste (meat <strong>and</strong> fish, as well as
vegetable <strong>and</strong> fruit peelings), <strong>and</strong> 8 876 tones of garden waste were separately
collected. Each household received a 6.5–10 l bucket <strong>and</strong> biodegradable bags of
the same volume for food waste. Further biodegradable bags have to be
purchased in main markets. Multi-occupant buildings, canteens <strong>and</strong> fruit shops
have been provided with a trolley bin (120/240/360 l, according to user request)
where food waste is stored until the next collection round. (Success stories on
composting <strong>and</strong> separate collection, 2000)
Garden waste has to be collected separately <strong>and</strong> preferably taken directly by the
producer to an eco-centre. In the district there are 14 eco-centers, which are
equipped collection areas, where there are large containers for storage of waste
prior to disposal or recycling. (Success stories on composting <strong>and</strong> separate
collection., 2000)
Households who ask for door-to-door collection of garden waste have to pay an
additional tax. In all, 35 % of householders home compost their garden waste
<strong>and</strong> are allowed to ask for a reduction of waste tax. Householders can purchase
heap systems, mesh-wire bins, <strong>and</strong> plastic bins from the municipality, which
sells the composters at the manufacturing cost. (Success stories on composting
<strong>and</strong> separate collection, 2000)
House-to-house biodegradable waste collection takes place twice a week,
although in summer, food waste may be collected three times a week. Buckets
are placed on roadsides on collection days, which are emptied directly into the
bulk lorries, <strong>and</strong> then into compaction vehicles for long distance transport. The
scheme vehicles are owned by the contractor employed to collect the waste.
The estimated total amount of waste recovered through composting (Figure
4.12) in 1998 was approximately 110 kg/inhabitant. Home composting
accounted for an estimated 30 kg/inhabitant a year; the rest was food <strong>and</strong>
garden waste. (Success stories on composting <strong>and</strong> separate collection., 2000)
The district has its own composting plant for garden waste <strong>and</strong> sewage sludge.
The plant <strong>and</strong> the water treatment facility are managed directly by the
Consorzio Tergola <strong>and</strong> are located in Vigonza, near Padua. The plant has been
recently renewed <strong>and</strong> treats about 30 000 tons a year. The composting process
lasts about three months <strong>and</strong> involves the following.
‣ Pre-treatment: open air shredding of waste, mixing with sludge
<strong>and</strong> transport to the composting hall.