Designing waste management systems to meet circular economy goals: The Italian case

Abstract

Waste management capacity plays a prominent role in complying with circular economy goals, such as reducing municipal waste disposal by landfilling to 10%. We first analyze the imbalance in municipal solid waste management across Italy by estimating the quantities of waste to be treated using technologies different from those currently in use. Subsequently, we estimate the impact that a system compliant with circular economy goals would have on the cost of waste management. Our empirical analyses are based on an econometric method. The results suggest that Italy could reduce the use of landfill by 11.5%, resulting in a 13% reduction in mechanical-biological treatment. The waste-to-energy capacity would rise by 4.6% compared to the current situation, while the organic fraction treatment capacity would increase by 8.3%. Besides the positive impact on the environment, the potential annual savings on the cost of waste management could reach 0.07%, or 0.27% when the phase corresponding to treatment and disposal is considered. We provide insights into the design of more efficient national waste management plans using a novel approach based on best performers.

Market Structure of Urban Waste Treatment and Disposal: Empirical Evidence from the Italian Industry

“…Regarding the relationship with the regulatory framework, there is no clear relationship between the governance model and the cost of treatment, although consistent with previous literature, efficient costs seem to correlate with regions relying on the market for price regulation [22].…”

Waste management and green technology: future trends in circular economy leading towards environmental sustainability

“…The concept of waste is the central idea in various definitions of circular economy, according to Kirchherr et al ( 2017 ) waste is the 6th most cited term among the definitions of CRE. Researchers have illustrated that the current momentum for CRE is to take actions for better management of waste globally, in this regard, Fletcher et al ( 2021 ) and Di Foggia and Beccarello ( 2021 ) have indicated that WTM system can become sustainable through adoption of innovative technologies which help in achieving zero waste. Similarly, Kurniawan et al ( 2022 ) have also elaborated that effective implementation of TI is a driving force in moving towards zero carbon strategies in CRE framework.…”

Managerial Functions of an Independent Coordinating Body in the Governance of Waste Management

“…The governance of the waste management industry must reach a challenging equilibrium among balancing technical efficiency through the most suitable forms of competition policies and economic regulation, economic efficiency through market forms to guarantee the production of the service at the lowest cost for the community, and universality of the service for citizens and a fair and nondiscriminatory level playing field for the companies operating in this industry (Di Foggia & Beccarello, 2021). The importance of effective governance has emerged following the European circular economy legislation that has prompted a new phase in waste management, especially regarding targets on recycling and disposal options (European Commission, 2015).…”

“…In addition to improving the waste management system to ensure homogeneous accessibility, usability and dissemination throughout the country as well as adequate quality levels, there is also the objective of waste treatment infrastructure adaptation to circular economy targets (Di Foggia & Beccarello, 2021).…”