Italy enacts Decree Law 177/2026 on environmental and construction regulations

The Italian government has published Decree Law 177/2026, which introduces urgent measures to strengthen environmental assessments, climate change management, the circular economy, and land remediation. The decree, which entered into force on October 9, 2026, has been sent to the Chamber of Deputies for conversion into law by December 7, 2026.

A key provision for the construction sector involves the management of excavated earth and rocks. The decree integrates new regulations into the Environmental Code (D. Lgs 152/2006), specifically regarding materials classified as waste or produced in specific construction sites. It confirms a limit of 4,000 cubic meters for the temporary storage of such waste, with a maximum of 800 cubic meters consisting of hazardous waste. This regulation aims to provide greater legal certainty and stability for the industry.