Naples, Italy
Naples is smothering under yet another garbage crisis. Mountains of trash have piled up 10 feet high all over the city because trash collectors have nowhere to dump it. The stench was already becoming unbearable when residents began to set fire to the piles; now the toxic fumes are making the smell even worse. Local “garbage czar” Guido Bertolaso tried to quit last week, but the government refused to accept his resignation. Naples residents have long blocked plans to create new landfills in their communities. In 2004, a similar trash crisis sparked weeks of protests.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.