Rome Trash Problems

Hi Ronnie,

Read this latest thread

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-s-garbage-crisis

I feel the city workers do the best they can. When I was in Rome a couple of times, I saw trash collectors and city sweeps going around often.

It should be fine. Don't worry.

And that is just a link to one of several discussions on here.

I cannot speak personally about the situation, but as an observer, I can say that the topic always comes up as a concerned question from somebody making plans to go to Rome, not as a report from those that are in, or have been to Rome and commented on "piles of Garbage".

My gut tells me then that the problem likely is not as much an issue as the articles imply, or at least does not affect the historical sites and the old center. That makes sense, any resources would go to protecting tourism income, for people in the outer neighborhoods it may be a much different story.

All that said, Rome is a big, old city. Expect the streets to be somewhat grimy, litter, and the occasional whiff of sewer gas; you may also want to be on the lookout for landmines left by the local dogs, they tend to not like the tourists.

Most of the trash problems are outside of the tourist areas. As long as you are not staying out in a rione such as Parioli or Monteverdi, you should not encounter unpleasantness.

More on the subject below: as stated above, no issues in the historic center. As Paul wisely said, though, it's a very, VERY old city with its own particular maintenance challenges so best not to expect slick and shiny. :O)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k12734251-Rome_Rubbish_Crisis-Rome_Lazio.html

My wife and I were there May 10-14, 2019 and had read and heard that there was a garbage pickup problem. We stayed near the Vatican and did not observe any garbage issues. We walked everywhere, including to Piazza Navona (several times), the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Borghese Garden Park and did not observe any garbage issues. We noticed a lot of of construction going on around the Colosseum but no piles of garbage were observed. Also we did not see any piles of garbage during our ride from the train station or to the airport. Overall, we thought the city was much cleaner than during a visit 33 years ago. Enjoy your trip.

Ronnie,

Adding to my previous post:

You are going in September, it will still be warm. With that, you 'may' walk by a dumpster or other garbage waiting to be picked up. (From a personal experience, Boston is like that.)

If you happen to see overflowing bins or bags, just cross the street; walk around it. I took note of many shopkeepers and restaurants bagging up their garbage and placing it to be picked up; while also sweeping sidewalks and entry ways.

I really did not see anything to be a game changer or worrisome - even in and around Termini (where I stayed in a lovely, hidden hotel. You would never know you were near Termini neighborhood.)

The only times I saw "more garbage than maybe usual", was during the celebration of the Feast of The Immaculate Mary (in December.) Everyone celebrates - wall to wall peeps - travelers, locals and all their families it seems. Shop keepers and restaurants did their best to tie up garbage. By the next morning, poof, it was gone and new bags put into receptacles.

December 8 is also the "official start" to the Christmas season in Rome. Again, I did not see anything I would consider horrible or a problem.

Visits to Rome during the same time frame was what I wrote above. Don't worry.

We were there last April. We spent a couple days in New York City prior to going over to Rome.

I wish New York had been as clean as we found Rome.

In Rome right now, not far from the colosseum. Trash is fine, you may walk by some dumpsters that are a bit full but other than that, no problems. Rome is a big city and yes there are challenges but I’m not seeing an overwhelming issue with trash.

Thank you for all your assistance. It really helps me plan our trip.

Ronnie,

I would like to add to my other replies -

I am sure you will visit Campo de Fiori

By day, the piazza is a wonderful, outdoor market. Many vendors. It can be fun to browse. A heads up - a lot of the merchandise is very similar to what you find in other super markets - like Coop, or maybe gift shops, or corner liquor stores/quick mart.

Spices and other similar things, Limoncello, Espresso pots, tee shirts and kitchen gadgets and other little trinkets are a hit.

Pricing is "about the same" as you would find in most places - maybe cheaper compared to a "gift shop" geared more to a tourist/traveler. Some vendors welcome "making a deal." lol It is fun to browse too.

There are restaurants that hug the piazza. I did not try those - seemed more touristy - waitstaff stand outside and beckon you in. They might be good. When I walked by a couple of times, some outdoor seating was a bit crowded at lunch time; even in December.

Also, Campo has little side streets to wander down - a whole new World - shops, eateries.

If you are interested, I can suggest a nice little restaurant very close to Campo - it is down a little interesting side street.

Later afternoon, Campo vendors start to clean up their stalls - pack up their wares, break down the tents. It was quite the task. And, they do this everyday! Gotta give them kudos!

At night, the piazza is transformed to a nice hangout - young and older alike. Sometimes, street musicians (a group of about 5 guys) play near the statue of Giordano Bruno.

The piazza becomes a lively mix of peeps. People having a cocktail, something to eat, kids playing around the piazza, "mobile" vendors selling Pashminas and toys, selfie sticks.

I really like to suggest watching the webcams of Italy - in particular, the Lazio region (which focuses on Rome's city centre and attractions.)

https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio.html

It is a fun watch or even to have it on in the background for awhile The cams are strategically placed to give the viewer a bird's eye view of sorts for each piazza or attraction.

If you are inclined, watch the Campo de Fiori one at different times of day. Amazing.

Also, sometimes watching the Piazza Venezia, Altare della Patria (dubbed the Wedding Cake) - It is a lovely and exciting "rotary." You get a real view of the action! Sights and sounds.

Girasole--

Two restaurants we visited twice each in our week at an apartment overlooking Campo de' Fiori were:

Elle Effe, a Sicilian place around the corner from the piazza. We were wandering in the afternoon, and saw (what turned out to be) the owner standing outside smoking a cigarette. I struck up a conversation with him, he told me about bringing the cuisine from his hometown of Catania on the island. We dined there that night--not many people because it was February, but we met the entire family!--and then our last night in Rome to say goodbye, again to the entire family. It was a restaurant but it was like their house.

Emma Pizzeria, about a block a different way, owned by the Roscioli family. Best spaghetti alla Carbonara I've ever tasted, coupled with puntarelle salad that are chicory greens dressed with anchovy oil and pepper. Only served in that part of Rome.

I could go on & on about places to dine all over The Eternal City, but unlike Florence, this is like dozens of little neighborhoods patched together next to each other that have been there for centuries. Amazing place, on my bucket list is to spend a couple months there exploring and getting to know the wonderful Roman locals.

Oh, Girasole--a memory that will stick with me forever: after the market vendors had cleaned up and left for the day, it was cloudy and the streetlamps had already been illuminated, even though it was only about 4PM. I had the windows open to the piazza to get some fresh air, and I heard music coming from below. I looked out the window, and there were two musicians, a guitar & a cello, playing a haunting version of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here'.

That's why I travel...

Oh wow! Thanks Jay! Especially about the Sicilian one :)

I bookmarked this thread for the future.

Amazing place, on my bucket list is to spend a couple months there exploring and getting to know the wonderful Roman locals.

Interesting you write that - that is my dream too - in the future :)

playing a haunting version of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here'.

Yes, yes! Pink Floyd seems to be popular. I heard that "same" version - it is haunting! Glad you heard them.

Okay, I just googled Elle Effe - they get a lot of great reviews. Cute restaurant. I am looking through the pics.

How did I miss that? lol. I "remained loyal" to the restaurant near my hotel - good food, convenient, inexpensive, home town feel - plus I made a few friends there and had fun.

From what you describe about Elle Effe, sounds like a win-win!!

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Ha Ronnie,

From trash to "treasure" - sorry, could not help it.

Sometimes, side conversations come up. They can be helpful. :) A couple of great suggestions for restaurants!