The Crisis of Rap in Palermo: President Todaro Describes Desperate Situation

Last Updated: October 6, 2023

The waste management situation in Palermo, Italy is dire, and today the shadow of privatization looms over the industry. The Rap, responsible for cleaning the city, is struggling to keep up with the garbage, with 70% of its vehicles experiencing malfunctions. The organization is also unable to increase its workforce and is continuing with two ongoing recruitment procedures, albeit slowly. In the wake of an investigation into absent workers and criticism from the mayor about the service, Rap’s President, Giuseppe Todaro, is working towards finding a solution, despite seeing the task as almost impossible. Some new vehicles for waste separation will arrive next week, but it will take at least another 6-8 months for the necessary compacting vehicles for regular waste removal. In the meantime, Palermo is suffocating under the weight of rotting food and foul-smelling bags.