Incinerators in Italy: an overview in the light of the Circular Economy model

In the Circular Economy paradigm, waste management is recognised as an important sub-sector of circular economy which allows recovery of resources and environmental impact prevention (Ghisellini, 2016). Incineration still plays an important role when the other preferred options are not available following the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). In Italy incineration of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) still counts for (18%). On one hand, knowledge and information on waste flows and technological features of plants (pre-treatment and treatment pants, composting plants, incinerators and landfill) is known. On the other hand, information and studies on economic aspects of such plants are limited. Due to the regulation of the sector, one of the relevant economic indicator of the incinerators are the fees to access to these plants (“gate fees”). This study, after framing the waste management sector in the Italian legislative structure, aims at partially close the gap in literature regarding the gate fees of incinerators in Italy adopting the “gate fee approach”. Results show that the gate fees are not uniform and they range between 64 Euro ton (Naples in Campania region) to 112 Euro ton (Padova in Veneto region). This research is relevant also in light of the new born regulatory authority (ARERA) which regulation and control functions include since January 2018 the waste management sector.