Developing sustainable municipal waste services

Context

In Kosovo, collected waste is often not treated or processed, which means that landfilling is the prevalent method of waste disposal. Moreover, illegal dumpsites are widespread. Municipalities are obliged by law to organise and provide waste services, but often lack the necessary know-how as well as human resources. Moreover, in many cases, an ineffective distribution of public finances poses additional challenges.

Activities towards a circular economy are limited to a few pilot projects. Apart from that, citizens do often not have the awareness for the need of proper solid waste management.

Therefore, the waste sector in Kosovo needs more efficient management. Political will to tackle the shortcomings is growing, but government capabilities in this field need to be improved.

Objective

The waste management capabilities of Kosovo’s municipalities, government and the private sector are improved with a better inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Approach

The project provides technical knowledge and offers policy as well as organisational advice to the government and municipalities.

Co-financed by the EU, the GIZ Project in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (MESPI) and Ministry of Administration and Local Government (MLGA), focuses on the following measures:

• Improving the institutional and legislative framework for waste management in line with EU standards, including extended producer responsibility schemes
• Advising municipalities and public utility companies on the implementation of basic waste management services moving towards an integrated waste management system by promoting intermunicipal cooperation and private sector participation
• Awareness-raising and enhancement of expertise in the waste sector