Regional waste management model in North Macedonia moves forward with new selection equipment

New waste selection equipment for 18 municipalities in Pelagonija and the Southwestern Region was inaugurated on 5 January 2026 by the North Macedonian Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Muamet Hodža. 

With an investment of €11 million, the equipment covers over 400,000 citizens and is directly linked to the planned regional waste management centre in Novaci, as well as the transfer stations in Prilep, Ohrid, Kičevo, and Debar.

“Waste management and reducing air pollution are among the top priorities of my mandate”, Hodža stated, adding that 2026 will be a key year for establishing the core infrastructure.

This investment comes under the ‘Regional Waste Management System’ project, a €60 million investment through the Western Balkans Investment Framework. 

It is the first countrywide undertaking in the sector, where current waste management practices primarily focus on waste collection and disposal, mainly in non-engineered dumpsites. 

Minister Hodža announced that preparations are underway for a public procedure for the regional landfill for the Pelagonia and Southwest regions, which is expected to be completed within six months and is an important step towards integrated solid waste services. 

At the event in Bitola, attended by the President of the Government, Hristijan Mickoski, Minister Hodža stated that with the start of construction of three regional landfills in 2026, the country is entering a new era of modern, sustainable, and EU-aligned waste management. He called for broad cooperation with all stakeholders in the country to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment."

The WBIF investments in environment and climate projects are expected to provide efficient waste collection and disposal services for 750,000 people across the Western Balkans. The Environment and Climate factsheet provides an overview of ongoing investments in the region.