In Italy, in 2024, overall production of special waste from industrial, commercial, craft and service activities, as well as waste treatment and remediation, recorded a 4.6% increase compared with 2023, accounting for about 7.6 million extra tonnes. This trend significantly outperformed the growth of the national economy, which recorded a smaller increase in GDP and consumption during the same period (+0.8% in GDP and +1.3% in consumption).
Waste production was driven by the construction and demolition sector, confirming its place as Italy’s main producer of special waste, with 90.4 million tonnes, accounting for 52.5% of the national total. This was followed by waste treatment and remediation, manufacturing and other economic activities.
Nearly all the special waste produced was non-hazardous: in 2024, this waste accounted for 93.7% of the total, a 4.5% increase compared with the previous year. On the other hand, hazardous waste amounted to 10.8 million tonnes, a 6.0% increase.
In terms of geographical distribution, a strong concentration of special waste production was confirmed in northern regions, which alone accounted for 56% of total production. Lombardy confirmed its place as the biggest producing region, followed by Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.
When it comes to waste management, 187.2 million tonnes of special waste were managed in Italy in 2024, of which 177.5 million tonnes were classified as non-hazardous. Use of landfills decreased, while material recovery grew, representing the main management method with 74.3% of the total, accounting for 139.1 million tonnes, a 6.4% increase compared with 2023.
The construction and demolition sector showed particularly significant results: the recycling rate, excluding earth, rocks and dredging sludge, totalled 82.4%, significantly exceeding the European target of 70%. End-of-life vehicles also recorded a recycling rate of 86.7%, surpassing the 85% target, although some distance off the goal of 95% in total recovery.
However, certain critical issues remain. They include asbestos, which is still affected by the lack of systematic decontamination across the country, with 272,000 tonnes produced in 2024, a 13.4% increase compared with 2023. Sewage sludge was also a critical issue, with over 44% still ending in disposal, as well as healthcare waste, most of which was sent for disposal.
Source: https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/rapporti/rapporto-rifiuti-speciali-edizione-2026
