Abstract
Italy has chosen to entrust the economic regulation of the municipal waste management service (SGRU) to an independent authority (ARERA), which has particular competence in determining the fees due to the operators of the various phases that comprise the service. This article discusses the reasons for this choice, which the author traces back to the market failures resulting from the evolution of the institutional regime, from a "linear economy" model to a "circular economy" one. The emergence of evident situations of market power is accompanied by the need to guarantee the economic and financial balance of the subjects burdened with public service obligations, which here derive from the political will to affirm challenging objectives that are potentially in conflict with each other. The article then examines the experience gained so far by the ARERA regulation, evaluating the results achieved and some critical issues.
The paper in Italian here attached has been already accepted for publication on the journal "Mercato Concorrenza Regole". I am working to prepare a version in English, with more updated figures and also encompassing the newest regulatory measures adopted by ARERA (Tariff method for the third regulatory period; Tariff structure; Quality regulation) and developments occurring in the Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.
The paper in Italian here attached has been already accepted for publication on the journal "Mercato Concorrenza Regole". I am working to prepare a version in English, with more updated figures and also encompassing the newest regulatory measures adopted by ARERA (Tariff method for the third regulatory period; Tariff structure; Quality regulation) and developments occurring in the Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.