Reggio Emilia waste tax hikes over 4% spark mayoral backlash

Atersir's approval of the current financial plan for waste services in the Reggio Emilia‑Reggiano area will raise average management costs by about 4.6% compared with 2025. Household tariffs are set to increase between 4.9% and 5.1% for families of one to six members, with the highest rise (about 5.2%) affecting a five‑person household. Non‑domestic users face far steeper hikes: artisanal production of specific goods could see a 321% jump, supermarkets about 20%, and other commercial categories between 12% and 16%.

Mayors of several municipalities voted to allow the plan to proceed; twelve opposed and three abstained. Some mayors, including those from Modena, have publicly protested the upcoming bill increase, calling it an unfair burden on citizens. In Reggio Emilia the council approved a 13% biennial increase and introduced a combined state and local bonus that gives a 25% discount to low‑income families. Trade unions acknowledge the aid but say it does not fully offset the higher cost of living. Critics also note that the public tender for waste‑service contracts will not be launched until 2028, with the existing contract with Iren extended in the meantime. Atersir maintains that the regional waste‑collection system remains among the most efficient in Italy. "When inflation, fuel and labour costs rise, no administrator can ignore the problem," said assessore Davide Prandi.