Upcoming Trade Shows Milan, Italy for Environment & Waste

The environment and waste management industry in Milan has spent over ten years developing one of the most comprehensive residential food waste collection systems in Southern Europe. The task was not easy given the dense urban population (1.36 million people) and year-round influx of tourists. The city’s approach has not only addressed waste management issues but has also brought about significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Managing food waste in a city like Milan, with 80% of its population living in high-rise buildings, was a daunting task. Food waste collection was limited to commercial sources. The high volume of food waste generated by residents posed a significant challenge, necessitating an efficient and sustainable solution. In 2012, Milan undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its waste collection services, introducing a city-wide residential food waste collection program. By 2014, the program was fully implemented across the city, with over 90 kilograms of food waste collected per resident annually, leading to a reduction of 9,500 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The project has led to a more sustainable use of resources, with food waste being converted into biogas and compost for soil remediation. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to the city’s overall environmental sustainability efforts. The initiative has fostered a sense of community and environmental responsibility among Milanese residents. By actively participating in the food waste collection program, residents feel more involved in the city's environmental policies and are more likely to engage in other city initiatives. Implementing a food waste collection system in a large city like Milan has boosted the bio-waste treatment sector, creating new job opportunities. The program demonstrates how urban waste management can drive economic growth while addressing environmental challenges, and only drives growth in Milan’s environment and waste management industry.