On June 19, 2025, the Municipality of Nova Gorica officially inaugurated a new semi-underground ecological island in Gradnikove brigade Street. The facility contributes to improving the appearance of public space and encourages more effective waste separation. With the installation of this structure, the Municipality aims at sustainable waste management, reducing environmental impact, and promoting the circular economy.
The new ecological island is equipped with sensors for monitoring the fill level of containers, enabling the optimization of collection routes and greater efficiency in waste management. The introduction of these innovative solutions motivates citizens to separate waste responsibly, supports the development of the circular economy, and contributes to a cleaner environment.
The semi-underground island was built within the framework of the Waste Design 2.0 project, co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme, which aims to improve the quality of waste management and promote sustainable development.
After the institutional greetings, the inauguration continued with a practical demonstration of correct waste management by a representative of Komunala d.d. Nova Gorica, with the participation of children from the Nova Gorica Kindergarten (Kekec section). The activity introduced the youngest to the importance of environmental responsibility and waste separation.
The Mayor of Nova Gorica, Samo Turel, emphasized during the opening:
"As part of the international Waste Design 2.0 project, we are inaugurating a new semi-underground ecological island equipped with sensors for fill-level monitoring. In this way, we continue our efforts towards sustainable development and a green transition, while at the same time improving the appearance and quality of public spaces. The investment amounts to €60,000. The project partners, in addition to the Municipality of Nova Gorica, are the Municipality of Postojna, the Municipality of Duino Aurisina, Komunala Izola, and the IUAV University of Venice, which is studying the possibilities of reusing construction waste. In short, our Municipality is working with an international consortium, and we hope for similar investments in the future. We want to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of waste separation, the circular economy, and the reuse of recycled materials."
Dario Rolih, Head of the Waste Management Unit at Komunala Nova Gorica d.d., added:
"Semi-underground containers represent an innovative approach to improving the appearance of ecological islands, reducing the impact on the surrounding area, and ensuring larger volumes for emptying. Moreover, their location has been chosen in a less trafficked zone. Being underground, the containers also maintain a more suitable temperature, preventing unpleasant odors during summer. The real innovation is the sensor system: each container is equipped with sensors that measure the fill level, allowing for full use of capacity and timely scheduling of waste collection. Their external design alone raises citizens’ awareness, encouraging them to take better care of the environment they live in."
