Alghero Ushers in a New Era of Cleanliness with Landmark €118 Million Waste Management Deal
Alghero, Italy – In a move poised to dramatically reshape the city’s landscape and enhance its appeal to both residents and the millions of tourists it welcomes annually, Alghero has officially awarded a comprehensive urban hygiene contract to the Alghero It grouping – a consortium led by Ciclat Trasporti Ambiente Soc. Coop. and Sangalli Giancarlo & CSrl. The €118 million investment, confirmed after rigorous checks under the Public Contracts Code, signals a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for this Sardinian gem. This is breaking news that will impact the daily lives of Alghero’s citizens and the experience of every visitor.
A Transformative Eight-Year Plan
The eight-year contract, with an option for a ninth, represents a significant leap forward from the current system. Starting with an initial auction amount of €86,128,166.88, the plan isn’t just about collecting trash; it’s about fundamentally redesigning how Alghero approaches waste management. Mayor Raimondo Cacciotto emphasized the administration’s vision: “The service will have to guarantee a clear improvement. Let’s focus on more decorum, modern tools and an organization capable of responding to the needs of citizens and tourists. The clean and welcoming city must become a distinctive sign of Alghero.”
But what does this transformation actually *look* like? The changes are substantial. Residents can expect door-to-door collection across the entire municipality, a noticeable increase in manual street cleaning with daily operator presence, and a strengthened street washing schedule. Perhaps most visibly, 400 new bins will be strategically placed throughout the city.
Boosting Summer Readiness & Embracing Smart Technology
Alghero’s peak tourist season is crucial, and the new contract recognizes this. The summer period, already a busy time, will be extended from four to five months (May 15th to October 15th). To address the unique challenges of the historic center, an additional nocturnal collection pass will be implemented, alongside the introduction of “smart containers” – bins with controlled access and daily emptying. Eco-centres will also open on Sundays, providing greater convenience for residents.
This isn’t just about more frequent service; it’s about smarter service. The planned washing of stairways, porticoes, and squares, coupled with the smart bin technology, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban cleanliness. This aligns with a growing global trend towards “smart cities” – leveraging technology to improve quality of life and resource management. SEO best practices dictate highlighting these innovative aspects for search visibility.
Towards 80% Separate Waste Collection & Punctual Pricing
Beyond the visible improvements, the contract aims to significantly increase Alghero’s separate waste collection rate, currently at 72%, with a target of 80% as mandated by the Region. A key component of achieving this goal is the introduction of “punctual pricing” – a system designed to incentivize responsible waste disposal and ensure fairness. This system, often referred to as “pay-as-you-throw,” is gaining traction across Europe as a way to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling.
The delivery of new containers will also facilitate the creation of an accurate and up-to-date Tari (waste tax) database, ensuring that billing is fair and transparent. Environment Councilor Raniero Selva explained, “Our goal is a service worthy of a tourist city…after complex work by the technical structure.”
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The implementation of this contract isn’t just a local story; it’s part of a larger movement towards sustainable tourism and responsible environmental stewardship. Cities around the world are grappling with the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, and Alghero’s investment represents a proactive step in the right direction. For readers interested in learning more about sustainable tourism practices, resources like the UN Environment Programme’s tourism page offer valuable insights.
With the final award now secured, Alghero is poised to embark on a journey towards a more modern, efficient, and sustainable urban hygiene model – a transformation that will be felt immediately and for years to come. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and other Google News-worthy updates from around the globe.
