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Environmental legislation and waste management efficiency in Italian regions in view of circular economy goals

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  • Agovino, Massimiliano
  • Cerciello, Massimiliano
  • Javed, Aamir
  • Rapposelli, Agnese

Abstract

Separate waste collection and landfilling represent two key outcomes of waste management. Italy recently observed major shifts in waste targets. Regional policymakers, in charge of devising waste management plans, have been required to review their strategies, in view of the transition towards circular economy. This work proposes a theoretical framework that outlines the policymaker's problem and estimates regional efficiency in waste management using Data Envelopment Analysis on time series data. We find that the target shifts reduced efficiency in the short run, but encouraged the circular economy transition over time. Current waste management regulations need to consider regional heterogeneity when setting targets and constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Agovino, Massimiliano & Cerciello, Massimiliano & Javed, Aamir & Rapposelli, Agnese, 2023. "Environmental legislation and waste management efficiency in Italian regions in view of circular economy goals," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:85:y:2023:i:c:s095717872300187x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2023.101675
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Waste management; Data envelopment analysis; Circular economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C3 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables
    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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