Where do I throw it?

We still make mistakes when sorting paper and cardboard. There are some small failings and habits that are easy to correct and change. By doing so, we ensure an increase in the quality of collection. Let's see together what to throw away in the paper and cardboard collection. 

 

In Italy, more than 1.5 million pizza boxes are used every day. This means that more than 5,000 tonnes of cardboard are disposed of exclusively from pizza take-away or delivery. The question is: does the pizza box always go into the paper and cardboard collection? The answer is no. Pizza boxes should only be disposed of with paper if they are clean and free of food residues. If it is visibly contaminated with oil or food, there are three basic steps to follow. Firstly, the food residues must be disposed of in the wet waste collection. Next, the clean lid, which is not usually soiled by pizza, must be torn off and disposed of in the paper bin. Finally, the dirty part of the cardboard should be reduced in size and put in the undifferentiated bin or, if the certified container is compostable, in the organic waste.

On the other hand, packages containing several cans, such as canned tuna, are made of cardboard and should be placed in the paper collection.

Even bread and fruit bags, when they are made of a single material, always go in the paper collection. Before throwing it away, however, make sure there are no food residues inside.

Even when fruit is packaged in cardboard trays, these should be disposed of in the paper bin, but remember to throw the peelings in the organic bin. 

For the flour bag, the flour residues must be emptied thoroughly, and then the bag can be thrown in the paper. 

 

The potato crisp packet, the popcorn container or the fried fish container cannot be disposed of in paper if the food residues cannot be removed. If they are certified and compostable, they should be put in the wet waste bin. 

 

These small gestures can make a big difference. Let's learn to understand what should be thrown in with the paper and what should not, for a better and cleaner world!