Italy is making headway in the environment and waste management industry in Europe and has broken records with the highest recycling rates within the EU. With a robust infrastructure of modern waste management plants, Italy is making significant strides towards a more sustainable future. Italy has made remarkable progress in recycling efforts. As of 2021, at least 51.3% of municipal waste is recycled, reflecting a national effort to minimize landfilling and promote sustainable waste management practices. The country recycled 79% of collected waste in the same year. One of the cornerstones of Italy's waste management strategy is waste-to-energy technology. This approach not only helps in reducing landfill volumes but also generates energy from waste, which further contributes to the country’s renewable energy goals. Italy has invested significantly in modern waste-to-energy plants, aligning with EU directives on sustainable energy production. In addition to energy recovery, Italy places emphasis on plastic recycling. The country has advanced facilities for separating and recycling various plastics, including PET, HDPE, PDPE, and mixed plastics. These modern processes ensure that plastic waste is effectively repurposed, thereby reducing environmental pollution and conserving resources. Despite its achievements, Italy faces challenges in waste management, particularly concerning littering and the need for expanded waste handling capacities. As a popular tourist destination, the influx of visitors contributes to increased waste volumes, which creates the need for more and better infrastructure as well as efficient handling practices. To this end, Italian waste management is also embracing technological innovations to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Automated and smart waste handling solutions, such as Cross Wrap systems, have been pivotal in supporting local operators and waste handling plants across the country. These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to reducing environmental footprint through optimized waste processing.