Understanding Bulky Waste Management: A Comparative Analysis of Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia
18, September 2024
What is Bulky Waste Management?
Bulky waste management involves handling and disposing of large items that don’t fit into regular waste collection services, such as furniture and large appliances. Proper management of bulky waste is vital for maintaining clean environments, reducing landfill use, and promoting recycling. This waste type often requires specialized collection services or recycling centers due to its size and weight.
Waste Management in Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia
Croatia
Croatia has made significant progress in aligning its waste management practices with EU standards. The country generates about 6 million tons of waste annually, with 25% coming from construction and demolition. The Croatian waste management system is managed at both national and local levels, with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development setting strategic directions and local authorities implementing waste management plans. Despite these efforts, Croatia faces challenges in achieving EU recycling targets, with a recycling rate of 34.3%, below the EU average of 49%.
Serbia
In 2020, Serbia produced 2.95 million tons of municipal waste, of which 79.45% was sent to landfills. The country faces challenges due to outdated infrastructure and a significant dependence on landfilling. The Waste Management Law in Serbia establishes guidelines for waste collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, disposal, and monitoring. While Serbia’s legal framework for circular economy and waste management is evolving to meet European standards, progress is slow, primarily due to insufficient funding and the absence of separate systems for handling hazardous and bio-waste.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia serves 78% of its population with waste collection services, but faces significant challenges. The country is experiencing increasing waste volumes alongside economic growth. Financial constraints hinder improvements in waste management systems, and there is a notable lack of separate collection for bio-waste and recyclables. Recycling rates are low, and there is a reliance on landfilling. Plans exist to replace many landfills with regional waste management centers, but implementation is ongoing.
Similarities and differences in Waste Management
Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia share common challenges in waste management, such as a heavy reliance on landfills and a need for improved recycling systems. All three countries struggle with inadequate infrastructure for waste management, including insufficient facilities for recycling and limited coverage for waste collection services. However, they differ significantly in their approaches and progress. Croatia has advanced its waste management practices by aligning with EU directives and investing in modern recycling infrastructure, achieving better regulatory frameworks and higher recycling rates. In contrast, Serbia is in the process of revising its waste management laws and developing new facilities but faces delays and funding issues. North Macedonia, meanwhile, grapples with financial constraints and lacks comprehensive systems for separate waste collection and recycling, resulting in lower recycling rates and continued reliance on landfills. Addressing these differences while building on shared goals is crucial for improving waste management across the region.
Together for more sustainable waste management systems
By collaborating, Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia can significantly contribute to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment through joint efforts to raise awareness about the importance of waste management. By bringing together stakeholders and implementing local initiatives, these countries can develop more efficient and effective waste management systems. A unified approach can enhance regional cooperation, leading to innovative solutions and strengthened infrastructure for recycling and waste reduction.
Authors: Nataša Stanojević, Afrodita Ramos, Ivana Vlašković, Romana Franjković, Petar Hokman, Besar Bekiri
