Dove metto la spazzatura?

Where do I put the rubbish?

Pronunciation

spaz-za-TU-ra — four syllables, stress on the third.

When to use it

Ask your host about rubbish disposal — Italian cities have complex recycling rules that vary by municipality.

What it means

'Dove metto' = where do I put (first person present of 'mettere'). 'Spazzatura' = rubbish/garbage. In Italian cities, garbage sorting ('raccolta differenziata') is mandatory and bins are colour-coded. Getting it wrong can result in fines.

Variations

Come si fa la raccolta differenziata qui?

How does recycling work here?

Ask for the local recycling rules — they vary significantly by city and neighbourhood

Dove sono i bidoni della spazzatura?

Where are the rubbish bins?

Ask for the location of the building's bins

Quali giorni si porta fuori la spazzatura?

Which days is the rubbish put out?

Italian collection schedules are strict — put bins out only on designated days

Mini Dialogue

— Dove metto la spazzatura? E come si fa la raccolta differenziata? — I bidoni sono nel cortile. Blu per la carta, giallo per la plastica, verde per il vetro e grigio per il secco. — E l'organico? — C'è il contenitore marrone sul bancone della cucina. Esci il lunedì e il giovedì.

— Where do I put the rubbish? And how does recycling work? — The bins are in the courtyard. Blue for paper, yellow for plastic, green for glass, and grey for general waste. — And food waste? — There is a brown container on the kitchen counter. Put it out on Mondays and Thursdays.

Cultural Note

Italy has one of the highest recycling rates in Europe. Separate waste collection ('raccolta differenziata') is legally mandatory in most Italian municipalities. Failure to comply can result in fines. Your Airbnb host is responsible for informing you — always ask before throwing anything away.

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