I do separate waste collection.
rak-KOL-ta dif-fe-ren-TSYA-ta — stress the penultimate syllable of each word; the 'zz' in differenziata sounds like 'ts'.
Use this to tell someone you recycle or when explaining your household habits. It is also useful when asking a landlord or neighbour about local rules before you start.
Raccolta differenziata is the official Italian term for source-separated waste collection. It is the system — not just recycling glass or paper, but separating all materials at home before collection. Knowing this phrase signals that you understand the system.
Separo i rifiuti.
I separate the waste.
Simpler and more informal; rifiuti is the standard word for rubbish/waste.
Differenzio i rifiuti.
I sort the waste.
Verb form of differenziata; common in everyday speech.
Faccio la differenziata.
I do the sorting.
Shortened version; native speakers often drop raccolta in casual speech.
Italy's raccolta differenziata rates vary enormously by region. The north — especially Trentino and Veneto — leads Europe in separation rates, while some southern towns still struggle. Local rules can differ from street to street.