The CETAP project, funded by the European Union and implemented by COWI in partnership with SEI and UBA, has made strong strides in its mission to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition towards a circular economy. The project aims to improve the recovery of materials from waste through separate collection, reuse, and recycling—placing sustainability at the heart of waste management reforms.

Key Achievements in the First Quarter

During the reporting period from November 2024 to February 2025, the project team focused on delivering Sub-Activity 1.1: a comprehensive assessment of market potential for applying circular economy principles to special waste categories.

Key milestones include:

• Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement: Many meetings were held with government bodies, municipal utilities, recycling operators, and EPR scheme coordinators across both entities and Brčko District. This engagement has been vital for understanding the current landscape and building cooperation. 
• Policy and Regulatory Review: A full review of relevant waste legislation across the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District is underway. The findings will shape future legal reforms to align with the EU Waste Package and Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. 
• Data Collection on Special Waste Streams: The team has mapped producers of special categories of waste (e.g. WEEE, tyres, oils, construction and demolition waste), and started collecting quantity and treatment data, with requests issued to Environmental Funds for input. 
• Formation of Thematic Working Groups: Expert-led working groups are being launched to steer actions in legal alignment, economic modelling, technical planning, and public awareness. These groups will begin formal meetings in March.
  

What Comes Next

With the groundwork laid, CETAP is now moving toward:

• Finalising the Study on Market Potential for Circular Economy Application 
• Launching capacity building programmes for stakeholders at all levels 
• Initiating the drafting of new legal frameworks and supporting municipal-level planning 
• Preparing for the development of a national waste exchange platform, with technical input from Croatian experts 
• Designing a nationwide public awareness campaign to engage citizens on reuse, recovery, and recycling
  
  

Sustainable Waste Management Starts with Strategy

CETAP is not just a technical assistance project—it’s a catalyst for systemic change. By embedding circular economy principles into the country’s policy, infrastructure, and public mindset, Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking a bold step toward a greener, more resource-efficient future.

For ongoing updates and announcements, visit www.cetap.ba/en/news.