n the Prato industrial district, the management of textile waste remains a key issue for environmental protection and legality. During 2025, the multi-utility Plures Alia, responsible for urban hygiene services in central Tuscany, worked alongside the local provincial police to combat improper disposal of production waste. The control activity, part of a multi-year agreement, produced significant data on irregularities, fines and tariff evasion, providing a clear picture of the sector’s situation.
Inspections carried out in 2025
In 2025 Plures Alia collaborated with the local police of the Province of Prato to tackle the mismanagement of textile waste in the local production system.
A total of 48 inspections were carried out in as many companies, each lasting about four hours, with a patrol team and a Chinese interpreter provided by the utility.
Irregularities, fines and crimes charged
The checks led to three administrative reports, with fines ranging from €516 to €2,066. In addition, 11 criminal charges were filed against companies deemed seriously non-compliant.
In 10 cases the accusations concerned illegal disposal, transport and mixing of waste, while one case related to failures in fire safety and safety regulations.
Tari evasion revealed by checks
The inspections uncovered four total Tari evaders. Another 44 companies had open tariff positions, of which 22 had unpaid debts.
The total amount of evaded Tari was €63,170, of which €11,154 has already been collected.
Nine years of monitoring in the district
Between 2017 and 2025, 647 inspections were conducted. In 97 cases (15%) companies lacked proper waste registers or forms and received fines between €516 and €2,066.
Another 131 companies (20%) had errors in documentation, while 419 firms (about 65%) were fully compliant. In 56 cases, criminal complaints were filed.
Plures Alia’s position
Vice-president Nicola Ciolini described the activity as a fundamental prevention effort and a deterrent against rule-breaking.
He stated that the nine-year results were satisfactory, also thanks to growing citizen involvement through digital tools such as Aliapp for reporting issues.
Renewal of the CO.ES.SE agreement
Given the positive outcomes, the CO.ES.SE (Coordination of Reports and Complaints) agreement between Plures Alia and the Province of Prato was renewed for 2026, presented in a press conference at Palazzo Banci Buonamici.
Statements from the Province of Prato
Provincial president Simone Calamai emphasized that the renewal confirms the importance of institutional cooperation.
He added that illegal waste management remains a major environmental challenge that can only be addressed through shared and coordinated action.