The Society of Young Ecologists Nikšić (DMEN) held a workshop on the topic "Construction Waste as a Resource", and attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the "Analysis of the State of Construction Waste in Nikšić with Recommendations" that DMEN prepared for the project. The event brought together representatives of local institutions, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community and citizens interested in environmental protection issues.
In the introductory part, Miodrag Karadžić from DMEN addressed the audience, who pointed out, as stated in the press release, that construction waste represents a significant problem in Montenegro, as well as that there is an evident lack of recycling.
"Construction works, such as the demolition of old buildings, renovation or construction of new ones, generate large amounts of waste. Concrete, bricks, wood, metal, glass and other materials are often not disposed of in regulated landfills, nor are they stored or reprocessed, but are disposed of in illegal landfills or in natural spaces, such as river banks, next to suburban roads. This causes soil and water pollution and degradation of the natural landscape, which poses a threat to human and animal health," said Karadzic.
According to him, a major problem is the hazardous components that construction waste often contains, such as asbestos, lead, and crystalline quartz, which can cause serious health risks due to improper handling during disposal.
"The technical director of the Livade landfill, Ratko Pavićević, stated that construction and demolition waste are categorized in Chapter 17 of the European Waste Catalogue (EWC). He pointed out that there are two officially defined locations for the disposal of construction and demolition waste in Montenegro: Dragalj (Kotor Municipality) and Brajići (Budva Municipality)," the statement said.
He introduced the attendees to the new regulation on the treatment of construction waste, which he believes has been improved, and that the new Waste Management Plan in Montenegro sets certain goals that will also apply to construction waste. As a positive example of construction waste management, he cited Norway, where there are recycling yards with multiple containers for different types of construction waste.
"He pointed out that the Livade landfill has conducted a study on the possibilities of processing construction waste, and that they are planning to purchase a construction waste processing facility. As a positive example from Montenegro, he cited the 3D room that processes discarded plastic. He believes that the problem for the development of technology in Montenegro is small amounts of waste that do not guarantee a quick return on investment, but also that, when it comes to sorting out the waste situation, it is not necessary for a process to be profitable. He also believes that extended responsibility is very important, as is the principle of subsidies, that the Eco Fund has a strong role in stimulating measures and that its role is important in Montenegro," the statement reads.
The workshop on construction waste was implemented within the framework of the "Urban Mining" project, which is supported by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development.
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