city overview

nestled along the stunning amalfi coast, naples stands as a testament to resilience, culture, and an evolving commitment to sustainability. this ancient city, with its vibrant streets, rich history, and bustling life, is on a transformative journey towards embracing zero waste principles and fostering a circular economy. as a melting pot of art, gastronomy, and innovation, naples is redefining its relationship with the environment through robust waste reduction strategies, product repair initiatives, and community engagement.

fun facts

- naples is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited urban areas, offering a unique blend of historical sites and modern sustainability efforts.

- the city gave the world the gift of pizza, with the iconic pizza margherita originating from here, symbolizing naples' rich culinary tradition and its potential in pioneering sustainable food practices.

- naples is underlain by a network of ancient greek and roman ruins, highlighting a legacy of reusing and repurposing materials long before the modern concept of a circular economy.

- vesuvius, the only active volcano on the european mainland, looms over the city, serving as a constant reminder of nature’s power and the need for harmonious living practices.

- the bay of naples, with its breathtaking beauty, is a hub for marine conservation efforts, aiming to reduce pollution and promote a sustainable relationship with the sea.

- naples’ vibrant street art scene not only beautifies the city but also communicates powerful messages about environmental conservation and the importance of community action.

- the city hosts innovative repair cafes and community workshops, encouraging residents to fix rather than discard, fostering a culture of repair and reuse.

- naples is pioneering urban agriculture initiatives, transforming rooftops and abandoned lots into green spaces that provide local, sustainable produce and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

embracing its rich heritage while boldly stepping into a sustainable future, naples serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for cities worldwide. through education, engagement, and innovation, naples is creating a thriving urban environment where zero waste and circular economy principles are not just ideals but lived realities.

sustainability snapshot

achievements & objectives

zero waste efforts:

- composting programs: naples has initiated community composting projects in several neighborhoods, encouraging residents to convert organic waste into valuable compost, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.

- single-use plastic ban: following the eu directives, naples has taken steps to reduce single-use plastics, promoting the use of biodegradable materials and reusable containers.

circular economy strategies:

- eco-design hub: the city supports local businesses in adopting eco-design principles, ensuring products are made to be reused, repaired, or recycled, contributing to a sustainable economic model.

- material recovery facility: investment in state-of-the-art facilities has enabled more efficient sorting and recycling of materials, keeping them in the economy and out of the waste stream.

repair initiatives:

- repair cafés: naples has seen a rise in community-driven repair cafés, where locals can bring broken items for repair, learning skills to fix things themselves, and fostering a culture of repair.

- support for small repair businesses: the city has provided subsidies and support for small businesses focused on repairing electronics, clothing, and furniture, helping to maintain traditional repair skills and services.

future goals:

- zero waste certification: naples aims to achieve zero waste certification for the city, targeting significant reductions in waste generation and improvements in recycling and composting rates.

- expansion of circular business models: plans to incentivize businesses to adopt circular economy models, with a focus on product life extension, material recovery, and the creation of a local circular economy network.

waste statistics:

- waste generation: as of the last report, the average waste generation per capita in naples was approximately 500 kg/year.

- recycling rate: the city has a recycling rate of around 30%, with ambitious plans to increase this to 50% in the coming years.

- organic waste recovery: approximately 20% of the city's waste is organic, with a target to increase the composting rate to 40%.

- landfill diversion: current initiatives have succeeded in diverting up to 60% of waste from landfills, with a long-term goal of reaching 75%.

engagement strategies:

to further engage the public in naples, the following strategies could be employed:

- educational campaigns: launch city-wide educational campaigns in schools, businesses, and public spaces to promote awareness of zero waste practices and the importance of waste reduction.

- zero waste challenges: initiate community challenges with incentives for neighborhoods that achieve waste reduction targets.

- repair workshops: organize regular workshops to teach repair skills for a variety of products, such as electronics, textiles, and bicycles.

the sustainability snapshot for naples illustrates a city in transition, actively working towards embedding zero waste principles and circular economy strategies into its urban fabric. by highlighting achievements, ongoing projects, and setting clear future goals, naples can inspire its residents and other cities to embrace sustainability as a core value.