Regional waste management centre in Živinice opens today - EU, Sweden and EBRD support Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthen its waste management system

A modern solid waste management centre in Živinice officially started its operations today, following several years of construction. Supported by the European Union, Sweden and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this facility is the first EU-compliant sanitary solid waste landfill and a recycling yard in Tuzla Canton. It will serve the municipalities of Živinice, Banovići and Kladanj, with a population of around 100,000 people. 

“In order to preserve the environment, today is the ceremonial opening of the sanitary landfill "Eko-Sep", which is the first phase of the Center for Waste Management. On our behalf and the founders of the company, the city of Živinica and the municipalities of Banovići and Kladanj, we would like to express our gratitude for the support of our project by the European Union and we hope for joint cooperation in future projects of importance for the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union”, said Selmir Šljivić, direktor JP "Eko-Sep" d.o.o. Živinice.

The completion of the project marks an important step towards improving solid waste management in the country, where illegal open dumpsites are causing problems in most municipalities. Currently, only six landfills in Bosnia and Herzegovina meet EU standards, while ten more are needed. The new waste management centre has a capacity of over one million cubic meters and it introduces a modern solid waste management with integrated recycling yard and gas management systems.

"Today’s celebration of the inauguration of the Regional Waste Management centre here in Zivinice is an important part of our joint efforts to achieve a general improvement of the environment in Bosnia and Hezegovina, a development that can only be beneficial to everyone. We hope that good practice of this project will serve as a positive example to other municipalities which still have to resolve problems of collection, treatment and disposal of solid waste.", said Birgitta Jansson, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden to BIH.

The construction of the waste management centre brings significant environmental benefits for the region. It will reduce environmental risks caused by groundwater and soil contamination from illegal dumpsites. In addition, by establishing proper treatment of leachate, it will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent fires. 

“We are committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in upgrading its environmental infrastructure. Modernizing waste management and increasing recycling rates are key to reducing pollution and creating opportunities in the circular economy. In addition to waste management, we are supporting the country in improving its water supply infrastructure, urban transport, district heating, energy efficiency in public buildings. Besides their significant environmental benefits, these projects help create jobs in green economy and improve quality of life for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said Stela Melnic, EBRD Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

"The EU is proud to support this project, which brings Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to EU environmental standards while creating a healthier future for local communities. We are a strong partner in the country’s environmental progress, investing significant funds and remaining committed to its sustainable development," said Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to BiH.

This project is also a first step in introducing the so-called circular economy in solid waste management in the three municipalities, which should help create more green jobs opportunities in the future.

The construction of the landfill was financed with €2.65 million grant from Sweden, a €5 million EBRD loan and €374,000 grant from the EU, through the Western Balkans Investment Framework.

For the purpose of managing the project, three municipalities established a regional waste management company Eko-Sep, which will remain in charge of its operations.