Combating Illegal Waste Disposal: A Community-Led Approach in Caivano, Italy
The municipality of Caivano, Italy, located near Naples in the Campania region, is implementing a novel approach to address its persistent problem with illegal waste disposal. Rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement, the city is enlisting the help of its youngest residents – children – as “environmental sentinels.” These young citizens will issue “moral fines” to those caught violating waste disposal regulations, accompanied by educational outreach from local police.
The initiative, approved by the Caivano Children’s Council, aims to raise environmental awareness and combat the widespread practice of illegal dumping that has plagued the area for years. The “moral fines” are symbolic, carrying no monetary penalty, but are intended to publicly shame offenders and encourage responsible waste management practices. This is coupled with a door-to-door information campaign designed to educate residents and businesses on proper waste disposal methods.
The current state of waste management in Caivano is concerning. According to Raffaella Crispino, the city’s environmental assessor, only 31 percent of waste is currently separated for recycling. This is significantly lower than the 71 percent rate achieved by neighboring Acerra, resulting in substantially higher waste disposal costs for Caivano. Crispino attributes this disparity to a lack of environmental awareness within the community. The new plan aims to exceed 65% differentiated waste collection within a year, a figure mandated by law.
This initiative comes at a critical time for Caivano, which has been struggling to overcome the influence of organized crime, specifically the Angelino clan, which historically exerted significant control over local affairs. The city was placed under a two-year period of extraordinary administration following the dissolution of the City Council due to these mafia influences. Antonio Angelino, the newly elected mayor, has expressed his support for the children’s initiative, stating that he “custod[es] jealously” the resolutions passed by the young council members. He notes that the children have already begun patrolling the streets and issuing symbolic fines for improper waste disposal and illegal parking.
The problem of illegal waste disposal in the Campania region, and particularly in areas like Caivano, is deeply rooted and has significant health consequences. The area has become known as the “Land of Fires” due to the persistent burning of toxic waste, which has contaminated the soil, water, and air. This contamination has been linked to increased rates of cancer, particularly among children, and other serious health problems. A 2025 report by The Guardian highlighted the soaring cancer rates in Casalnuovo di Napoli, a town near Caivano, directly attributing them to the long-term exposure to toxins from illegal waste dumping and burning.
The illegal waste disposal networks in Campania are complex, involving both legal and illegal entities. As detailed in a 2016 report, investigations have revealed the involvement of legitimate businesses, shipping firms, and treatment facilities in the illicit trade of industrial waste. Corrupted police officers and government officials have also played a role, turning a blind eye to the illegal dumping of hazardous materials in sand quarries, agricultural fields, and waterways. The Pellini Group, a waste management company based in Acerra, was implicated in a network uncovered in 2006, demonstrating how seemingly legitimate businesses can become entangled in illegal activities.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recently condemned Italy for failing to protect its citizens from the health risks associated with toxic waste dumping in the Campania region. This ruling, issued on , underscores the severity of the problem and the urgent need for effective action. The court found that Italy had not adequately addressed the widespread waste dumping by criminal groups, leaving residents vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollution.
The involvement of children in this new initiative represents a significant shift in approach. By empowering young people to become advocates for environmental protection, Caivano hopes to foster a sense of civic responsibility and create a more sustainable future. The children’s council has also addressed issues beyond waste disposal, including illegal parking and the failure of pet owners to clean up after their animals, demonstrating a broad commitment to improving the quality of life in the community.
The success of this community-led approach remains to be seen, but it offers a glimmer of hope for a region that has long been plagued by environmental crime and its devastating health consequences. The initiative is being closely watched by national authorities, and the Minister of Public Administration has pledged to support the children’s efforts to realize their goals. The long-term impact of this program will depend on sustained community engagement, effective enforcement of regulations, and a continued commitment to addressing the root causes of illegal waste disposal in the Campania region.
