Programme nearbyCommunityFlorenceCapannori: one of Europe's first certified Zero Waste citiesThe pioneer that showed it could be done Capannori, a municipality of about 45,000 people near Lucca in Tuscany, is one of Europe's first cities to achieve Zero Waste certification. It set out decades ago to prove that a community could dramatically reduce the waste it sends to landfill and incineration: not through technology fixes, but through source separation, reuse, and community involvement. What Capannori built - Door-to-door separate collection as the default for every household - A Zero Waste Research Centre (Centro Capannori Rifiuti Zero) studying product design flaws and advocating for producer responsibility - Composting and textile collection integrated alongside paper, glass, metal, and plastics - Waste reduction targets embedded in municipal planning Why it matters Capannori's model is not a product of wealth or special geography. It is a replicable template: start with ambitious separate collection targets, involve residents early, and redirect waste budget away from disposal toward prevention. The ZWE-certified result inspired dozens of Italian municipalities to follow. How to engage - Visit or contact Zero Waste Italy to learn how Capannori's model can be adapted for your municipality - Follow Capannori's zero waste research centre for publications and advocacy toolscertifiedcircularpioneer +2
