British Residents’ Association of Switzerland

VISIT OF THE FRATELLI PURICELLI RECYCLING CENTRE

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A small but enthusiastic group met up at the Puricelli Centre in Riva San Vitale, we were welcomed by our excellent guide Signor Luciano.
In his introduction, he explained that Puricelli is unique in that it is the ONLY firm in Ticino that separates and recycles different types of plastic. They manage to recycle 85% of plastic waste collected ; only 15% ends up incinerated producing thermal energy. The separated plastic is then transported to certified, specialised centres where it is transformed into a variety of products that are re-introduced  back onto the market.
Confronted by the astonishing volume of rubbish, the discussion inevitably centred on the ubiquitous use of plastic,  the problem being, as our guide explained, there is no real incentive to curb its production.
Through their recycling and educational tours The Puricelli Centre works hard to promote awareness and the need for everyone to take responsibility for the mountain of useless plastic that today’s society has and continues to produce.
One small solution was evident at a nearby Farm Shop, where it is possible to refill personal containers with a vast selection of cleaning products.

Following the guided tour and Farm Shop we continued our recycling debate over a simple lunch in a Ticinese grotto in Ticino, before returning home to  ponder over all we had seen and hopefully to reduce our plastic waste.

Patty Pellegrini