The government has adopted the National Waste Management Plan until 2029, the implementation of which will require around 400 million euros, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) announced.
It is stated that the State Plan was adopted at today's Government session, at the proposal of the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Damjan Ćulafić.
"This plan lays the foundation for the transition from a linear economic model to a circular model, in which waste is viewed as a resource that is reused, recycled and returned to the production cycle," the statement said.
It is added that the goal is to gradually reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills, while simultaneously increasing the recycling rate, protecting the health of citizens and preserving the environment.
As stated by MERS, the Proposal for the National Waste Management Plan for the period 2025–2029, prepared by that department, is a strategic document that defines development directions and key measures for establishing an efficient and sustainable waste management system in Montenegro, in accordance with European standards and national legislation.
Ćulafić pointed out that the National Waste Management Plan defines clear and measurable goals, fully aligned with the Waste Framework Directive and relevant European Union (EU) regulations.
"The plan envisages increasing the recycling rate of municipal waste to 65 percent by 2035, reducing the amount of biodegradable waste disposed of in landfills, and closing and rehabilitating all unsanitary landfills by 2030," said Ćulafić.
He emphasized that, as the basis of the new system, it is planned to establish four regional waste management centers - in Podgorica, Nikšić, Bijelo Polje and Bar, along with the modernization and expansion of the network of recycling and waste treatment facilities.
According to Ćulafić, special emphasis is placed on extended producer responsibility, separate waste collection, as well as harmonization with new EU regulations relating to electronic and electrical waste, packaging, mining waste, and end-of-life ships.
Ćulafić added that the Plan includes measures to strengthen inspection supervision, improve the database, and establish digital registers, thus ensuring greater transparency and efficiency of the system.
As he pointed out, the document was drafted in full accordance with the European Commission's comments submitted in October this year.
"All suggestions from the Directorate-General for the Environment have been carefully considered and incorporated into the text, confirming compliance with the requirements of European legislation," said Ćulafić.
In this way, as he emphasized, Montenegro meets one of the key benchmarks within Chapter 27, confirming its readiness for further progress in the European integration process.
Ćulafić said that the total value of planned investments for the implementation of the Plan is around 400 million euros, adding that this money will be provided through a combination of national sources, contributions from municipalities, and support from EU funds and international partners.
"By adopting the National Waste Management Plan, Montenegro is gaining a comprehensive strategic framework that will enable the transition to sustainable resource management, strengthen institutional capacities, and open new opportunities for the green economy and employment," concluded Ćulafić.
Bonus video:
