We use white bags for organic waste.
SAK-ko — double 'k' sound; plural sacchi (SAK-ki) — again double 'k' with an 'i' vowel.
Use this to explain or ask about the specific type of bags required for different waste streams. In some municipalities coloured bags are mandated; in others, compostable bags are the rule for organic waste.
In many Italian municipalities, different coloured or typed bags (sacchi) are required for different waste fractions. White compostable bags are common for umido (organic waste). Black bags are often associated with general waste (indifferenziato), but colours vary by area. Using the wrong bag can result in your waste not being collected.
I sacchi devono essere biodegradabili per l'umido.
The bags must be biodegradable for organic waste.
Requirement in most Italian municipalities; standard plastic bags are prohibited.
Il comune distribuisce i sacchetti gratuitamente.
The municipality distributes the bags for free.
Many comuni give out free compostable bags at the municipal office or local shops.
Hai i sacchi giusti per l'organico?
Do you have the right bags for organic waste?
Checking before disposal; a common domestic question.
Italy was one of the first countries in the world to mandate compostable bags for organic waste collection on a national scale. The EN 13432 standard for compostability is required for all bags used in the umido stream. The law also bans single-use non-compostable plastic bags for food — Italy introduced this before most of Europe.