Anti-Incinerator Movement Spreading Across Europe

On September 30th, European Day Against Waste Incineration, a large-scale online protest took place in Italy. The marathon protest, hosted by Zero Waste Italy from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, brought together activists from across the nation to call for a moratorium on new incinerator facility construction.

The Santa Palomba incinerator construction plan in Rome was addressed as a key issue. Rossano Ercolini, president of the organizing group, pointed out that "Rome is a black hole where problems extend beyond the capital," warning that the Rome case could become a national model.

24,000 Voices Submitted to Parliament

On the day of the protest, Alessandro Lepidini, spokesperson for the anti-incinerator coalition committee, conducted a live broadcast from Capranica Square and announced the submission of 24,000 signatures to parliament opposing the special powers granted to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.

Several mayors from the Castelli Romani and coastal regions supported this action. Mayors Massimiliano Borelli of Albano, Gianluca Staccoli of Ariccia, Carlo Zoccolotti of Genzano, and Maurizio Cremonini of Ardea attended, along with parliamentarians Francesco Emilio Borrelli, Andrea Volpi, Filiberto Zaratti, and regional councilor Alessandra Cepieri.

Lepidini noted that "the lukewarm response to the petition of 11,000 signatures submitted to the European Commission on March 18, 2024, is concerning."

Jubilee as Pretext for Concentrated Powers, Democracy in Crisis

Lepidini characterized the situation as "a case of administrative injustice and institutional arrogance," emphasizing the problems with the special commissioner powers granted to Mayor Gualtieri. He criticized that "while powers were concentrated citing the Jubilee (Giubileo), as the holy year approaches its end, Gualtieri is trying to expedite the Regional Integrated Authorization Procedure (PAUR)."

He pointed out that "equality before the law must also apply to Gualtieri," noting that the abuse of special powers is undermining democratic procedures.

Denmark Dismantling While Italy Builds

This protest draws particular attention because of Italy's reality moving in the opposite direction of European policy. Denmark, once famous for its incineration facilities, is now dismantling them, while the European Union has presented the circular economy as the future direction.

With new incinerators and thermal treatment facilities being promoted in various Italian regions, Zero Waste Italy sought to build nationwide solidarity through this online marathon. Environmental groups and local residents are calling for a policy shift toward waste reduction and recycling rather than incineration.

Wave of Change Starting from Rome

The movement against Santa Palomba incinerator construction is not simply a local issue. The outcome in Rome could influence incinerator construction policies throughout Italy.

Citizens argue that problems started in parliament must be stopped in parliament. The 24,000 signatures are not just numbers, but evidence of citizens' will to protect the environment and democracy.

As Europe pivots toward a circular economy, Italy's choice stands at a crossroads: a return to the past or the beginning of a transformation toward the future.