Waste management and recycling are a thriving industry in Bologna. One of its key infrastructure components is the Bologna Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant, which plays a big role in processing solid urban waste, as well as hazardous and non-hazardous special waste, including medical waste with infectious risks. The foundation of Bologna’s WtE facility dates back to 1971, with the construction of three disposal lines, each capable of handling 200 tons of waste per day. The first two lines were operational by 1973, and the third was introduced in 1974. Over the years, Bologna has continually updated its waste management processes to align with the ever evolving European regulations. From 1987 to 1997, a series of major technological enhancements were implemented to meet increasing environmental and operational standards. The next chapter for Bologna’s recycling industry came with a major modernization effort that took place between 2001 and 2004, and resulted in the current configuration of the facility. The updated structure now features two parallel and independent WtE lines, each with a capacity of 300 tons per day. This redevelopment enhanced energy recovery efficiency and integrated a cogeneration plant that contributes significantly to the city’s power grid and district heating system. Bologna’s WtE plant not only disposes of waste but also generates valuable energy. Annually, the plant produces approximately 140 million kWh of electricity, feeding into the national grid. Additionally, it contributes around 45 million Mcal of thermal energy to the district heating network, which goes on to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and promote sustainability. The plant’s design prioritizes environmental protection, operational safety, and energy efficiency. By incorporating state-of-the-art combustion technology, it ensures minimal emissions and maximum resource utilization. The facility operates through a structured process that ensures waste is efficiently converted into energy.