Illegal waste dumping is an environmental crime punishable by severe sanctions and economic consequences for everyone. Every piece of waste abandoned on the street or in public spaces harms the environment, worsens urban quality and generates additional costs for the community.
New regulations in force from 9 October 2025
Legislative Decree D.L. 116/2025, converted into Law 47/2025, has introduced stricter penalties for those who illegally dump waste. The new measures apply to both citizens and companies or sector operators.
Illegal waste dumping by citizens
For non-hazardous waste: fines ranging from €1,500 to €18,000. If dumping occurs using motor vehicles, a driving licence suspension from one to four months may also apply.
For small-sized waste (such as cigarette butts, chewing gum or receipts): administrative fines from €80 to €320.
Illegal waste dumping by companies and operators
Owners of companies or entities who illegally dump or deposit waste in an uncontrolled manner may face:
- Arrest from six months to two years or fines from €3,000 to €27,000;
- Imprisonment from nine months to five years and six months in aggravated cases (for example, in contaminated areas or when the act poses a risk to public health or the environment);
- Driving licence suspension from two to six months if dumping occurs using vehicles.
Aggravating circumstances for illegal waste dumping
Penalties increase if illegal dumping causes:
- danger to human life or health;
- damage to water, air, soil, ecosystems or biodiversity;
- pollution of contaminated sites or their access areas.
An action that affects everyone
Beyond being a crime, illegal waste dumping creates a real cost for the entire community. Every abandoned item must be collected, transported and disposed of. This means more working hours, more vehicles in circulation and higher service management costs. All these expenses are directly reflected in the TARI waste tax paid by every citizen. In practice, those who dump waste make the whole community pay for their actions.
Separate waste collection in Liguria
In the 2022–2023 period, Liguria recorded a separate waste collection rate of 58.3%, the lowest among northern Italian regions.
A shared commitment is needed to improve this figure, reduce waste and contain disposal costs.
Useful contacts
Do you have questions about separate waste collection in your municipality?
Write to us or contact us at the following details:
Email: portaaporta@amaie-energia.it
WhatsApp: +39 337 141 3084
Sanremo toll-free number: 800 310 042
Other municipalities toll-free number: 800 025 911
Or visit us at the Palafiori in Sanremo, Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Remember: dumping waste is not only an environmental crime, it is also a direct cost to your own wallet.
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