The Lombardy Region has decided that plant residues deriving from the maintenance of public and private green areas are classified as by-products, equating maintenance activity to production activity.
The Lombardy Regional Council has approved an innovative resolution that redefines the management of urban plant waste. According to the new provision, residues deriving from the maintenance of public and private green areas, such as mowing and pruning, are now classified as by-products. This classification recognizes the maintenance activity of greenery as a real productive activity. The resolution, adopted on 28 May 2024, refers to article 184-bis of Legislative Decree 3 April 2006, n. 152, which establishes the conditions for the classification of a substance as a by-product. Furthermore, article 185 of the same decree is recalled, which excludes certain materials from the scope of application of the waste legislation, if used in agriculture, forestry or for the production of energy through processes that do not damage the environment or human health. . The resolution underlines that plant residues, if used in agriculture, forestry or for energy production through processes that do not damage the environment, can be considered by-products and not waste. This new approach aims to promote sustainable practices and facilitate the application of environmental regulations, helping to reduce environmental impacts and promote the circular economy. The initiative of the Lombardy Region provides a clear regulatory framework to operators in the sector, improving the management of plant residues and supporting the rational use of natural resources. This decision represents a significant step forward towards environmental sustainability and innovation in urban and private green maintenance practices.
We attach the link to the resolution and management guidelines for mowing and pruning
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