Buraccio Waste Treatment Facility (Mechanical Biological Treatment)

The Buraccio facility (located in Porto Azzurro) handles mechanical sorting, sanitization, and the production of SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel). It also manages the bio-stabilisation of organic waste and serves as a storage station for sorted recyclables.

As part of the RetiAmbiente S.p.A. industrial plan, our plant acts as the official in-house service provider for the “Toscana Costa” area. We are a key link in the recovery chain for municipal and similar waste, processing both mixed and sorted materials. The Buraccio site hosts three main operations: a treatment plant for mixed waste, a bio-stabilisation unit for organic waste recovery, and a storage center for sorted recycling. The facility is authorized to process up to 30,000 tons of municipal solid waste per year.

OUR OPERATIONS
At the Buraccio site, we perform the following operations:

Treatment of Mixed Municipal Waste

Using a mechanical sorting system, we separate the “dry fraction” (oversize) to create fuel. This material is then sent to specialized plants for energy recovery (Operation R1 – Use as fuel to produce energy). To make ferry transport easier and minimize unpleasant odors, the dry fraction is film-wrapped into bales and stored in a dedicated area that can hold up to 160 units at a time. The “fines” (undersize material) generated during processing undergo bio-stabilisation to become Stabilised Organic Fraction (FOS), which is then safely disposed of in authorized landfills (Operation D1).

Metals are extracted from the sorting lines using heavy-duty magnets. These are collected in large containers and sent to specialized recycling facilities (Operation R4).

Organic Waste Recovery (Food Waste)

This process takes place in our dedicated bio-stabilisation hall. By using aerobic fermentation in static piles, we transform food waste into a high-quality “Mixed Composted Soil Improver” that can be reused in agriculture and landscaping. Our high-quality compost complies with all standards set by Italian Legislative Decree no. 75/2010.

Recycling Storage & Transfer

Our storage center acts as a transfer station. Here, recyclables from across the island are grouped into categories (paper, plastic, etc.) before being sent to the final recovery and recycling plants. The site also includes an inter-municipal collection center for local use.

All operations are officially authorized by the Province of Livorno (A.I.A. Decree no. 116 of 13/07/2011).

COREVE Platform (Glass Recycling)

Since April 2020, we have partnered with the COREVE consortium to run a dedicated platform for glass recycling. Our goal is to ensure all glass packaging collected on the island is properly recycled. This partnership not only saves the community money but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste and saving energy.