Italian municipalities defend waste‑service investments amid local complaints

The public‑service company ASP of Asti explained that the city’s waste tax (TARI) has remained essentially unchanged for a decade despite rising energy, fuel and material costs. It said the tariff is set by national regulator ARERA, not by the company or the municipality, and that ongoing investments in infrastructure are essential to avoid future inefficiencies and higher costs. ASP also clarified how ARERA’s amortisation rules work, noting that recognized investment values can rise over time but do not “triple” as some critics claim.

In Cassago Brianza’s Oriano district, residents reported that a public trash bin has become an open‑air dump, with bags of household waste and plastic accumulating on the sidewalk for more than a year. Local citizens say municipal officials have ignored repeated appeals to remove the bin and enforce penalties, calling for immediate action, better civic education and renewed community engagement to protect urban hygiene and decorum.