Comparative analysis of Italian regions’ performance in waste management: qualitative and quantitative perspectives

Purpose This paper aims to benchmark the performance of solid waste management and recycling systems across Italian regions, assessing their alignment with the 12th sustainable development goal and the European Circular Economy Action Plan. The study further seeks to explain the underlying institutional and governance factors driving regional disparities. Design/methodology/approach The research applies a mixed-methods approach based on a structured input–throughput–output framework. A qualitative analysis of waste management strategies adopted in regional capitals is combined with quantitative indicators – produced solid municipal waste and Solid Municipal Waste Recycled rates – correlated with GDP per capita in purchasing power standards. This design allows for an integrated evaluation of both policy efforts and performance outcomes. Findings The findings reveal pronounced disparities between northern, central and southern regions in terms of both policy implementation and recycling performance. High-performing regions tend to exhibit stronger institutional capacity and integrated governance systems. Conversely, weaker outcomes in low-performing regions reflect fragmented governance structures and persistent implementation gaps. These results suggest that effective waste management depends not only on policy design but also on the quality of its institutional delivery. Research limitations/implications While grounded in official statistical data, the analysis may not capture informal practices or sub-regional governance nuances. Future research could benefit from qualitative fieldwork and stakeholder perspectives to further explore the mechanisms behind implementation success or failure. The findings offer actionable insights for national and regional policymakers seeking to strengthen circularity transitions through governance reform. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on regional sustainability transitions by combining descriptive benchmarking with analytical interpretation of governance dynamics. It offers a replicable methodology for comparative waste policy analysis and underscores the centrality of institutional capacity in achieving circular economy objectives across multilevel governance systems.