Urban waste regulation put to the test of EPR and pay-as-you-throw tariff: equity, efficiency and cost sustainability

The regulation of the urban waste sector is entering a decisive phase, in which the implementation of the new tariff framework is called upon to address some central issues for the balance and evolution of the system. Among these, the full application of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the spread of unit-based pricing and the correct recognition of efficient service costs are of particular importance, including those related to the renewal of the National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL).
EPR is an essential tool for giving concrete effect to the 'polluter pays' principle and for ensuring a more balanced allocation of costs along supply chains. However, significant questions remain open regarding the determination and validation of efficient costs for separate waste collection, the distribution of responsibilities among the various parties involved, and the coordination between regulation, consortium systems and supply chain agreements.
In parallel, the shift towards unit-based pricing models can strengthen transparency, user accountability and environmental quality. However, this evolution requires careful assessment of its distributional effects, to ensure that the new framework does not result in an improper shift of costs from non-domestic to domestic users, while at the same time guaranteeing the economic sustainability of service operators and full coverage of costs actually incurred, including increases arising from the CCNL.
Drawing on the experience gained over the past year and the dialogue initiated between ARERA, institutions and operators, the conference aims to explore these two strategic axes in depth, bringing to light the issues still unresolved and identifying solutions capable of combining regulatory effectiveness, tariff equity, service quality and industrial sustainability.

Session Chair

Carmen Monaco, Environmental Regulation Coordination, Utilitalia

Program

Introduction to the proceedings
The evolution of regulation over the past year and Utilitalia's actions
Annamaria Barrile, Director General, Utilitalia

Keynote speech
Open issues: EPR, unit-based pricing and recognition of service costs
Bruno Manzi, Environmental Executive Coordinator, Utilitalia

Round table
EPR and unit-based pricing: how to ensure equity, transparency and sustainability of the system
Moderator: Lorenzo Perra

Participants:
Elisabetta Freni, Head of the Transport, Energy and Environment Directorate, AGCM (TBC)
Andrea Ferri, Deputy Director of IFEL and Head of the Local Finance Department, ANCI-IFEL
Antonio Massarutto, Associate Professor of Applied Economics, University of Udine (TBC)
Laura D'Aprile, Head of the Sustainable Development Department, Ministry of Environment and Energy Security
Andrea Massimiliano Lanz, Head of the National Centre for Waste and Circular Economy, ISPRA (TBC)
Domenico Ruggiero, Director of Environmental Policy and Regulation and Funeral Services, Utilitalia

Conclusions
Massimo Ricci, Director of the Environment Division, ARERA – Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (TBC)