Naples schools had to close recently when the problem intensified

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents, Crossing Europe was broadcast on Thursday, 29 July, 2004 at 1100 BST.

The programme was repeated on Monday, 2 August 2004, at 2030 BST.

Listen to the programme

Naples is drowning in its own waste. The rubbish crisis is proving a headache for local authorities, but a goldmine for the Mafia.

WASTING EUROPE The waste problems facing Albania and Italy In pictures

Lucy Ash visited Naples to investigate why the city is failing to deal with its refuse and how the problem is linked to organised crime.

Now Italy wants to export some of its waste to its impoverished neighbour across the Adriatic.

But Albania, often described as the most polluted country in Europe, has environmental problems of its own.

Growing numbers of Albanians are fighting back against plans to turn their country into the "trash can of Europe".

Producer: Sarah Parfitt
Presenter: Lucy Ash
Editor: Sue Ellis