The Evolution of the Environmental Hygiene Sector: Between Circular Economy and Digitalization

Efficient management of urban waste is a cornerstone for the practical implementation of circular economy policies. Reducing landfill disposal, increasing material and energy recovery, and improving traceability are just some of the strategic goals for the Environmental Hygiene and Waste Management sector.

However, significant territorial disparities persist in Italy. Central and Southern regions suffer from a lack of infrastructure, resulting in high waste transport costs and greater reliance on landfills.

According to the 2024 Sustainability Report by Fondazione Utilitas and Utilitalia, in 2023:

• 6.7 million citizens were served with pay-as-you-throw pricing, rising from 36% to 50%;

• 11.9 million tons of waste were collected through approximately 1,000 collection centers;

• Separate waste collection reached 76% (+2% compared to 2022);

• 30 million m³ of biomethane were produced via the Waste-to-Energy model.

   

Digital Solutions for Smart Waste Management

Digital technologies are strategic enablers supporting the sector’s evolution:

• IoT, Big Data, and AI to optimize logistics, forecast flows, and reduce waste;

• IT platforms for integrated management across collection, treatment, and recovery;

• Active involvement of citizens and businesses through interactive digital tools.

   

Neta by Engineering: Software Modules for Smart Waste Economy

Neta’s software solutions by Engineering enable the principles of the circular economy in practice. Here are some examples:

CRM for Environmental Hygiene

• Precise waste traceability

• Citizen engagement via real-time notifications (KAYT model)

• Automated service requests (e.g., bulky item pickup)

   Discover the CRM Module

MDM Waste

• Real-time traceability of disposals

• IoT sensors to measure waste types and volumes

• Custom reports and automated measurement data

  Discover MDM Waste

Billing

• Customized billing based on actual waste production

• Automated invoicing with reduced paper usage

• Predictive alerts for critical thresholds

  Discover the Billing Module

Credit Management

• Credit scoring and proactive management of overdue accounts

• Automated repayment plans

• Reduced administrative and paper waste

  Discover Credit Management

NetaSIAL – Logistics, Purchasing, and Warehouse

• Sustainable procurement

• Circular asset and equipment management

• ESG accounting and paper use reduction

  Discover NetaSIAL

A Step Forward Toward a Circular and Smart System

The digital transformation of the Environmental Hygiene and Waste Management sector is a key lever to bridge regional gaps, improve service quality, and ensure sustainability at every stage of waste management. With Neta solutions, Engineering supports Utilities on a tangible, data-driven path toward a circular economy.