When we throw our plastic bags of rubbish into the communal bin how many of us give a thought as to what happens to the contents. Perhaps when waste is literally piled up in the streets due to a strike and the resulting stink begins to overwhelm us? It also seems that although the purchase of consumer goods is falling, the amount of rubbish generated (incredibly but true) is growing!

Naples produces around 1500 tonnes of rubbish a day; the Campania region an average of 4 million tonnes per year. The majority of Italian waste, as also in the UK, goes to landfill. However not only is space in landfill becoming more limited due to strict EU directives but there is growing evidence in Italy of toxic waste dumping along with normal waste.

So what is the answer? Recycling through innovative programmes like ‘Napoli Pulita’ does not seem to be sufficient. The South of Italy, although showing an increase in recycling waste, still continues to lag behind the rest of the country. Similar difficulties also apply to the UK where even if the government’s target to recycle more municipal waste (35% by 2010) is met there is still a need for alternative ways of disposal such as incineration. One can understand however why no-one wants to have an incinerator on their doorstep, following the controversy over health risks through the resulting dioxin emissions. On the other hand how much are we prepared to reduce our desire for over-packaged consumer goods and pre-cooked foods to make a conscious effort to recycle and cut down on household waste?

In the relaxed atmosphere of a Café Scientifique, over an aperitif, you will have the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas with Neil Ferris and Sandro Ruotolo.