Policy Insights from a Single-Operator Model for Municipal Solid Waste Management

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Autori principali: Di Foggia, Giacomo, Arrigo, Ugo, Beccarello, Massimo
Natura: Recurso digital
Pubblicazione: Zenodo 2025
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author Di Foggia, Giacomo
Arrigo, Ugo
Beccarello, Massimo
author_facet Di Foggia, Giacomo
Arrigo, Ugo
Beccarello, Massimo
contents <p>Driven by the path of ecological transition, municipal solid waste management is now more than ever at the center of debates on the most efficient delivery methods. Although competition policy advocates subdivision into lots to facilitate medium-sized enterprise participation, in some cases—notably when substantial investments are required to achieve circular economy and sustainable development goals—a single-operator model may prove more efficient. Using a mixed research approach that integrates empirical evidence and market analysis, this study examines the relevance of cost curves, transaction costs, and market structure in determining the optimal service delivery model. The findings indicate that for large cities, consolidating MSW management services under a single contract yields significant cost advantages due to economies of scale and scope and is better suited to supporting the investments necessary for circular economy objectives. Practical implications for local policymakers highlight the need to assess utility sector policies carefully. Decisions at the local level should account for the interplay between the economic environment and the role of industrialization and economies of scale in fostering sustainable development. We suggest policymakers design policies that balance market efficiency with equitable access to services while also considering the scale of service provision, as it influences sustainability and economic resilience.</p>
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id zenodo_https___doi_org_10_3390_urbansci9050145
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publishDate 2025
publisher Zenodo
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spellingShingle Policy Insights from a Single-Operator Model for Municipal Solid Waste Management
Di Foggia, Giacomo
Arrigo, Ugo
Beccarello, Massimo
Public administration
Waste management
Waste Management/economics
Economic competition
Public procurement
Environmental regulation
Monopoly
<p>Driven by the path of ecological transition, municipal solid waste management is now more than ever at the center of debates on the most efficient delivery methods. Although competition policy advocates subdivision into lots to facilitate medium-sized enterprise participation, in some cases—notably when substantial investments are required to achieve circular economy and sustainable development goals—a single-operator model may prove more efficient. Using a mixed research approach that integrates empirical evidence and market analysis, this study examines the relevance of cost curves, transaction costs, and market structure in determining the optimal service delivery model. The findings indicate that for large cities, consolidating MSW management services under a single contract yields significant cost advantages due to economies of scale and scope and is better suited to supporting the investments necessary for circular economy objectives. Practical implications for local policymakers highlight the need to assess utility sector policies carefully. Decisions at the local level should account for the interplay between the economic environment and the role of industrialization and economies of scale in fostering sustainable development. We suggest policymakers design policies that balance market efficiency with equitable access to services while also considering the scale of service provision, as it influences sustainability and economic resilience.</p>
title Policy Insights from a Single-Operator Model for Municipal Solid Waste Management
topic Public administration
Waste management
Waste Management/economics
Economic competition
Public procurement
Environmental regulation
Monopoly
url https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9050145