Sicily says “No” to plastic waste!
From Cefalù to Modica, there is a growing number of communities rejecting waste and prioritizing sustainability and advanced environmental practices.
Up to 20 cities in Sicily will be included in the list of municipalities that have achieved “Plastic Free” status for 2026. The announcement regarding the 2026 plastic-free municipalities was made at Montecitorio during a press conference attended by Mauro Rotelli, Chairman of the Environment, Territory, and Public Works Commission of the Chamber of Deputies; Luca De Gaetano, founder and president of the Plastic Free Onlus organization; and regional representatives of the association.
The award, now in its fifth year, is granted to the most conscientious administrations for their efforts in combating illegal waste dumping, promoting responsible behavior, and ensuring sustainable territory management.
Awarded Sicilian Municipalities
The recognized Sicilian municipalities are:
Altavilla Milicia, Avola, Belpasso, Caltagirone, Caltanissetta, Camporotondo Etneo, Casalvecchio Siculo, Cefalù, Enna, Favara, Furci Siculo, Licata, Mandanici, Mazara del Vallo, Modica, Ragusa, Ravanusa, Roccalumera, Santa Teresa di Riva, and Scicli.
Evaluation Criteria
The assessment of municipalities is based on 20 criteria, ranging from the implementation of tools to combat illegal waste abandonment (camera traps, sanctions, environmental wardens) to the reduction of single-use plastics in public spaces, as well as active cooperation with the association and a commitment to raising citizen awareness.
“I am very proud that the network of plastic-free municipalities grows every year: there were 49 in 2022, and today there are 141,” said De Gaetano. “This result rewards the concrete efforts of local authorities choosing noble paths of environmental protection, supported by the work of our 1,200 local representatives and thousands of volunteers. By raising awareness, working in schools, and engaging with institutions, we can sow environmental consciousness daily and build a cleaner future for generations to come.”
“The problem is not plastic itself, but its often excessive use and, above all, the resulting uncontrolled abandonment of waste,” explained Rotelli. “This is why synergy between institutions, associations, and citizens is crucial. Plastic Free’s work is effective because it combines awareness with practical action through cleanup and information campaigns involving thousands of volunteers across Italy.”
Impact and Reach
In its first years of operation, Plastic Free Onlus has mobilized over 260,000 volunteers across nearly 10,000 cleanup actions, collecting 4.8 million kilograms of plastic and waste. The organization operates in more than 40 countries and has 1,200 local representatives in Italy, leading to the signing of over 500 Memorandums of Understanding with municipal administrations.
In general, Sicily is actively embracing the regulations and initiatives proposed by the European Parliament to enhance the ecological landscape:
