The Waste Tariff Method improves the management efficiency of the waste system

ROME – The introduction of the Waste Tariff Method (MTR) by ARERA (Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment) has led to an average increase in management efficiency of 11% in the three-year period 2021–2023 compared to the pre-MTR period (2015–2019). This is according to a study conducted by the Center for Studies in Economics and Regulation of Services, Industry and the Public Sector (CESISP) of the University of Milan-Bicocca, presented during the conference “The integrated cycle of urban waste: efficiency and effectiveness of the new tariff method”, held this morning in the auditorium of the Bicocca Pavilion (BiM), in the presence of the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and the president of Arera (Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment), Stefano Besseghini.

Reduction of territorial inhomogeneities

The results of the research (which can be consulted in the summary available at this link) were illustrated by professors Massimo Beccarello and Giacomo Di Foggia , who led the analysis conducted on a sample of almost 5,000 Italian municipalities in the period 2015–2023. The research highlights how the introduction of the Waste Tariff Method has also led to a reduction in territorial inhomogeneities of 9%, confirming the contribution of the MTR in making the system fairer and more uniform at a national level. The analysis on a territorial basis shows strong regional differences: some areas, such as the Triveneto, are among the best performers, while other regions show significant margins for potential improvement. If all 20 Italian regions in the integrated urban waste cycle operated with the same level of efficiency as the most virtuous, at least 323 million euros could be saved annually, 202 of which in collection and transport and 121 in treatment and disposal", explain Beccarello and Di Foggia. In the regional capitals, Trento, Venice and Trieste show the highest levels of efficiency while there is considerable room for improvement in Naples, Perugia or Bologna.

Cost reduction

The study confirms a positive effect of separate waste collection on cost reduction. This is particularly evident in “door-to-door” management, which is more efficient than mixed or street models. Another aspect highlighted by the study concerns the punctual TARI , which has proven effective in Northern Italy, where it contributes to reducing costs and increasing separate waste collection. In the Center-South, the impact is less marked, especially in areas with insufficient plant equipment. However, the researchers highlight how punctual pricing can mitigate structural disadvantages and act as a lever for territorial rebalancing, especially in the new regulatory context.

"In recent years, the regulatory framework promoted by Arera has increased the efficiency of the service at a national level, but much still needs to be done. Environmental protection through greater recovery of waste materials is also the main way to reduce service costs," the two professors observe. According to CESISP, ultimately, the new ARERA regulatory framework represents a decisive step forward towards more efficient, transparent and fair management of urban waste in Italy, enhancing good practices and reducing historical gaps between territories.