EU waste packaging rule takes effect; Italian regions push new waste plans

From 12 August the EU will apply Regulation 2025/40 on packaging waste, introducing an environmental contribution of €45 per tonne for compostable coffee capsules and extending producer responsibility to improve recycling and curb single‑use plastics.

In Italy, the Marche region is set to vote its new waste plan on 28 July, urging a circular‑economy approach, self‑sufficient waste facilities and warning against shortcuts such as locating a waste‑to‑energy plant in Corinaldo. Meanwhile, the city of Barletta has been recognised by Legambiente as a “Comuni Ricicloni”, achieving about 71 % recycling rates, and other municipalities are topping national waste‑collection rankings. Additional updates include changes to the urban waste‑manager registry and national acknowledgements of cities for high recycling performance.