In Serbia, the improper disposal of municipal and hazardous waste poses significant risks to both the environment and public health. Recycling experts attribute this problem to the country’s lack of accurate data on waste production, volumes, and treatment methods. Compounding the issue is the inadequate infrastructure for waste collection, limited treatment capacities, and insufficient storage facilities.
Globally, the recycling landscape faces challenges due to increasing waste volumes and the complexities of product design. Material choices in manufacturing dictate product lifespans and treatment options, making it difficult to implement circular economy principles, especially in an era of hyperproduction.
Operators in Serbia invest in expensive equipment but struggle with marketing the raw materials they acquire, particularly with the rising use of plastic in products previously dominated by metal, such as washing machines.
While Serbia boasts operators with advanced recycling capabilities, local infrastructural deficiencies persist. Poor waste management and inadequate systems for handling specific waste streams, like used oil and automobiles, exacerbate the problem.
Currently, Serbia primarily collects economically valuable waste, neglecting streams like used oil and household pharmaceutical or chemical waste. The lack of awareness about waste disposal options and inadequate collection centers further complicates the situation.
Informal waste collectors remain a significant but overlooked workforce, facing numerous health risks due to their unregulated practices. Addressing their status requires complex economic and social policy interventions.
Despite recent improvements in waste management systems and government incentives, Serbia still lacks comprehensive data on hazardous waste and proper infrastructure for waste collection and treatment. Without addressing these gaps, the risks to the environment and public health will persist.
