Serbia faces a significant waste management challenge, producing approximately 2.8 million tons of waste each year, of which only 15% is recycled. This inefficiency translates into an estimated loss of at least €100 million annually. As consumption rises, so does waste production, but the recycling sector has not developed sufficiently to address this growing problem.
In contrast to places like Vienna, which has harnessed waste for electricity and heating, and Italy, where waste management is tightly controlled, Serbia’s waste management remains problematic. Bottles often end up in rivers, landfills continue to expand, and litter accumulates around containers.
“We lose over €100 million each year due to our failure to recycle and create new value from reusable materials,” says Slaviša Mitrović from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. He emphasizes that this loss is significant when considered in terms of infrastructure improvements like roads and healthcare facilities.
Hotels, restaurants and retail chains are among the largest producers of packaging and municipal waste. Currently, they pay for waste disposal based on area rather than weight, which could be more cost-effective if adjusted.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is addressing these issues by planning to establish regional recycling centers equipped for mechanical and biological treatment. This initiative aims to extract valuable resources from household waste and direct them towards the recycling industry. Sandra Dokić from the Ministry highlights the importance of a robust collection network to ensure that waste is treated as a resource.
European Union countries, such as Croatia, have banned waste exports, and Hungary has privatized waste management. Meanwhile, Serbia paradoxically exports and imports 250,000 tons of scrap iron annually. “Serbia lacks a landfill tax that would incentivize recycling over disposal,” notes Slaviša Mitrović. He advocates for policies that encourage responsible waste management and the development of new infrastructure.
Milica Kuzmanov from the company Sekopak stresses the need for investment in waste management infrastructure and public education. Effective waste separation, currently practiced in Belgrade but lacking in smaller towns, is crucial for improving recycling rates.
Despite efforts to develop waste processing capabilities, a significant amount of waste still ends up in rivers or is incinerated in landfills, causing economic and environmental harm. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive improvements in waste management practices and infrastructure.
