“Comune Zero Rifiuti” is an innovative project for Ticino to reduce urban waste that will be implemented by ACSI, the Association of Consumers of the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, in collaboration with the City of Mendrisio over a two-year period (2021-2023). The project aims to reduce incinerable waste by 10%, which currently stands at 200 kg per capita. Although the waste generated in Mendrisio is already lower than the Swiss average (336 kg), further efforts can be made by all actors in society to reach new targets aimed at preserving natural resources, public health, municipal and individual finances. 

The project includes several activities:

• Coaching for 18 households
• Meetings with the population
• Raising awareness among shopkeepers to encourage the sale of bulk products
• Dialogue with restaurant owners to reduce food waste
• Dialogue with event organisers to encourage the use of reusable tableware and reduce waste in general

The project aims to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda 2030, in particular SDG 12.5: by 2030, significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.