BidòWhere to throw it
The waste items people most often ask «where do I put it?» about. Each page gives the general rule; then always check how it works in your municipality, because rules change.
Nappies and sanitary pads
Generally in residual waste (secco residuo), tied up in a bag; many municipalities have a dedicated service.
Used cooking oil
Never down the drain: collected in a closed bottle and taken to oil collection points.
Expired medicines
Not in residual waste: in the dedicated containers, usually at pharmacies.
Used batteries
Not in residual waste: containers in shops, supermarkets, schools or at the recycling centre.
Broken glass, mirrors and ceramics
Bottles and jars, even broken, in glass; mirrors, ceramics and crystal generally in residual waste.
Light bulbs
LED, energy-saving and fluorescent tubes at the recycling centre or in shop containers; incandescent and halogen generally in residual waste.
Furniture, mattresses and bulky waste
Not next to the bins: recycling centre or home collection by appointment, where available.
Used clothes and shoes
If clean and in good condition, in the used-clothing containers or at the recycling centre.
Coffee capsules and pods
Depends on the material and the municipality: often residual waste; certified compostable ones sometimes in food waste (umido).
Pizza boxes
Clean in paper; greasy or food-soiled, generally in food waste (umido) or residual waste depending on the municipality.
Polystyrene
Clean packaging goes in plastic in many municipalities; otherwise residual waste or the recycling centre.
Dog and cat litter
Generally in residual waste, in a closed bag; some compostable litters in food waste (umido) where permitted.
Small appliances and electronic devices
They are electronic waste (WEEE, «RAEE»): recycling centre or shop, not residual waste.
Milk and juice cartons (Tetra Pak)
Depends on the municipality: in many in paper, in others in plastic (mixed materials).
Aerosol cans
Empty and without hazard symbols, often with plastic and metals; with residue or hazard, at the recycling centre.
Disposable masks and gloves
Generally in residual waste, in a closed bag.
This page summarises a general, cautious rule: the real rules vary from municipality to municipality and from operator to operator (colour of bags, accepted waste, days, collection points). If in doubt, what your municipality or the service operator indicates prevails.
Check your municipality's rules
Search for your municipality to see the collection calendar, the recycling centre's opening hours and, where available, the link to the official guide.
In the app, «Where do I throw it?»: you search for an item and see which bin it goes in, according to your municipality's rules.
Get it on Google Play