Press Release: Environment: Commission takes Italy to Court over inadequate treatment of waste landfilled in Lazio

The European Commission decided to take Italy to Court for failing to comply with the requirements of EU waste legislation. Due to a narrow interpretation by the Italian authorities of what constitutes sufficient treatment of waste, the Malagrotta landfill in Rome and other landfills in the Lazio region were being filled with waste that had not undergone the treatment required by EU legislation. Landfills operating in breach of EU waste legislation constitute a serious threat to human health and the environment. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission was taking Italy to the EU Court of Justice.