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PhrasesRecycling and WasteQual è la percentuale di raccolta differenziata?
B2

Qual è la percentuale di raccolta differenziata?

What is the recycling rate?

Pronunciation

per-chen-TOO-a-leh — five syllables; stress the fourth.

When to use it

Use this in discussions about environmental policy, local government performance, or when reading news about waste management. It is a common phrase in Italian political discourse and journalism.

What it means

The percentuale di raccolta differenziata (separate collection rate) is the key metric for Italian municipal waste management. ISPRA (the national environmental agency) publishes annual data by municipality. The national target is 65%, but many northern towns exceed 80%, while some southern ones are below 30%.

Variations

Il nostro comune ha raggiunto il 75% di differenziata.

Our municipality has reached 75% recycling.

Positive framing; comuni often publish these figures as achievements.

Siamo sotto l'obiettivo europeo del 55%.

We are below the European target of 55%.

EU packaging recycling target; separate from the Italian national 65% target for total waste.

La raccolta differenziata è aumentata del 10% rispetto all'anno scorso.

Separate waste collection has increased by 10% compared to last year.

Year-on-year comparison; typical phrasing in annual municipal reports.

Mini Dialogue

— Ha letto che il nostro comune è sceso al 58% di differenziata? — Sì, è un passo indietro. L'anno scorso eravamo al 63%. — Dicono che dipende dai nuovi quartieri che non hanno ancora il porta a porta. — Speriamo lo introducano presto. Con il porta a porta si supera l'80% facilmente.

— Have you read that our municipality dropped to 58% recycling? — Yes, it's a step backward. Last year we were at 63%. — They say it's because of the new neighbourhoods that don't have door-to-door collection yet. — Let's hope they introduce it soon. With door-to-door you easily exceed 80%.

Cultural Note

ISPRA publishes Rapporto Rifiuti Urbani annually, comparing all Italian municipalities. The data is publicly available and hotly debated in local politics. Towns that miss the 65% target can face reduced central government funding, creating a financial incentive for improvement.