Italy intensifies crackdown on illegal waste and environmental crimes

Authorities across Italy are intensifying efforts to combat illegal waste disposal and environmental crimes. In Bolzano, the provincial government has approved aid covering up to 80% of costs for workshops to help remove accumulated end-of-life tires, which pose safety and fire risks.

Law enforcement operations have led to several seizures. In Trieste, 44 people are under investigation for the illicit trafficking of waste. In the Terra dei Fuochi region, Carabinieri seized an area in Orta di Atella used for dumping various materials, including plastics and tires. Other recent seizures include a 1,600-square-meter site in Grammichele containing dismantled vehicles and scrap metal, and a commercial site in Mondragone where abandoned vehicles and construction without permits were discovered.

In Tuscany, the 2026 Ecomafia Report indicates a decline in cement-related infractions but a concerning rise in waste management crimes. The province of Livorno has been identified as the most affected area. Additionally, the Guardia di Finanza in Trapani discovered an illegal fuel depot containing over 5,000 liters of diesel hidden in a large tank and a decommissioned vehicle.