Coordination table for waste reduction and surplus distribution policies

The Table, provided for by Provincial Law No. 10 of 2017 and reconstituted for the present legislature, performs an advisory, propositional and comparison function with the Provincial Council for the adoption of measures aimed at reducing waste and distributing surpluses. Furthermore, it draws up proposals on the necessary interventions and carries out monitoring and promotional activities on these issues.

Purposes

a) the recovery and distribution of surplus foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products or other movable goods, for the benefit of citizens in serious economic difficulty;

b) responsible consumption as a means of reducing food and non-food waste;

(c) initiatives to orient and educate citizens towards the purchase of pharmaceutical products that are appropriate in terms of cost, quality and actual curative needs

d) initiatives to orient health food also to social solidarity interventions;

e) the reduction of waste production.

To this end, the Table acts as a point of connection between different realities, favouring a transversal dialogue between bodies, associations and subjects involved in the fight against waste and the valorisation of surpluses:

a) it formulates proposals to the Provincial Council with regard to measures to reduce waste and the distribution of surpluses

b) it expresses its opinion on the outline of the collaboration protocol provided for by Article 8 of Provincial Law No. 10 of 2017

(c) carry out monitoring and promotional activities on the subject of waste reduction and the distribution of surpluses

d) it formulates proposals for the establishment of the unified data collection system provided for in Article 3, paragraph 1, letter f).

Waste in the Province of Trento: 2023 data and the role of volunteers

One of the initiatives of the Provincial Table was the collection and analysis of data on the recovery of surplus food and organic waste in the Province of Trento .

From this analysis a report was drawn up showing how the contribution of over 800 volunteers turned 1,677,519 kg of surpluses into resources: with over 195,000 volunteer hours, the organisations engaged in recovery were able to offer meals to 6,460 people in 2023, in addition to supporting 67 charitable organisations, generating an estimated value of 5 million euro. On the organic front, Trentino residents delivered about 55.25 million kg of wet fraction to separate collection (90 % of the total), while the Cadino plant returned 2.16 million m³ of biomethane to the community, enough energy to power over 6.8 million km of public transport.

The report 'Food Waste Recovery Data 2023' is published here.

Monitoring the Table's activities

Every four years, as required by provincial law, a report is drawn up on the implementation of the legislation and the results achieved. The latest report, approved on 3 February 2023, is available on the Provincial Council website.

Initiatives promoted

Mapping Food Distribution Points

One of the initiatives promoted by the Table was the creation of a map of all the Food Distribution Points operating in the province. This is a useful tool for people in difficult situations, to whom these services are addressed.

The Distribution Points are run by charitable organisations which, thanks to the daily contribution of TrentinoSolidale and Banco Alimentare del Trentino Alto Adige, offer free food products which, for various reasons, cannot be sold.

Each Point operates according to its own methods and timetables: it is therefore advisable to enquire directly at the nearest structure.

Respect Trentino

An initiative of the Provincial Environmental Protection Agency (APPA) to promote more sustainable behaviour in urban waste management. The project involves citizens, communities and managers of environmental services with the aim of improving the quality of separate waste collection and reducing the impact of waste on our territory.

Through the dedicated website you can access tools, information and practical advice to do your part and contribute to environmental protection.

Creative against waste" ideas competition

A logo to represent the commitment against waste.

One of the initiatives promoted by the Coordination Table for waste reduction and surplus distribution policies was the 'Creative against waste' ideas competition, aimed at schools with a graphic design address in the area.

The objective was to design an official logo to represent the visual identity of the Table, to be used in documents, communication activities and online presence. The competition offered students a concrete opportunity for creative participation, while raising their awareness of sustainability and responsible consumption issues.

Three schools took part in the initiative, with 29 students submitting 22 graphic proposals. The entries were examined by an evaluation committee according to criteria of creativity, thematic coherence, communicative effectiveness and adaptability.

The logo selected as the winner is the one that accompanies and represents this very web page, and is henceforth the distinctive symbol of the Table's activities.

Do you have an idea or proposal to share?

If you represent an association, a body, a company or are simply interested in contributing suggestions, initiatives or collaborations.

Write to us HERE