Market Structure of Urban Waste Treatment and Disposal: Empirical Evidence from the Italian Industry

In light of the organizational dynamics services economic interest, regulation municipal solid waste management is a critical issue to deal with so as achieve sustainability goals in coming decades. The European circular economy targets limit share landfills maximum 10% by 2035. Consequently, waste-to-energy plants may temporarily become primary option for residual unsorted waste. chain comprises two consequential stages: collection and transport, treatment disposal stage, which characterizes an oligopolistic market structure. After defining relevant calculating concentration measures, we analyze power non-recyclable mixed waste, also known Our analyses are based on empirical data using well-known indices such Herfindahl–Hirschman index ratios. We report results three different scenarios alternative geographic product definitions. Considering only market, present situation moderate concentration, typically involving attention competition authorities. On contrary, considering both options single no evidence emerges due significant sent 2019, i.e., 20.1% total generated Italy. Implications future studies consist new detailed information structure one leading countries that prompt comparative studies. Policy implications derived from possibility taking cues this paper envisage appropriate regulatory models evolving sector spaces increasing.