Management Challenges and Opportunities for the Development of the E-Waste System in FBiH: Preliminary conclusions from the CETAP Project
The meetings held within the CETAP project with key stakeholders in the field of electrical and electronic waste management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina revealed that, although the system formally exists and operates, its practical implementation faces a range of challenges. In recent years, basic mechanisms for the organized collection and treatment of this type of waste have been developed, primarily through the activities of system operators and cooperation with municipal companies. However, in practice, both technical and institutional capacities remain insufficient for a fully functional and sustainable system.
The lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in smaller municipalities, makes organized collection and treatment of e-waste difficult. Municipal companies often lack the resources and specialized equipment necessary for proper handling of this type of waste. Furthermore, public awareness of the importance of separate collection and proper disposal of electrical and electronic waste remains low, directly affecting the volumes of waste entering the system.
The need to strengthen the institutional framework, particularly in the area of inspection oversight and enforcement of existing legal obligations, was also identified. Although the legislative framework recognizes the importance of e-waste management, its implementation is often inconsistent, and the capacities of institutions to monitor and control the system are limited. Moreover, better defined and more transparent reporting and data exchange mechanisms between all stakeholders would contribute to the more efficient functioning of the system.
The results of the meetings indicate that key components for improving the situation include: investment in collection and treatment infrastructure, empowering local communities and municipal companies, continuous public education and awareness-raising, and strengthening cooperation between the public, private, and civil sectors. Equally important is the need to encourage innovative approaches and the involvement of social enterprises in the e-waste management sector.
The CETAP project recognizes these challenges and directs its activities towards strengthening the system by integrating all relevant actors, fostering dialogue, and creating sustainable models for the management of electrical and electronic waste in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
CETAP Project: Strengthening the Circular Economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
As part of the CETAP project, key stakeholders across Bosnia and Herzegovina are joining forces to assess the current state of circular economy practices and develop strategic measures for further progress. These meetings aim to create a comprehensive Study that will identify the strengths, challenges, and opportunities in implementing circular economy principles, with a special focus on specific waste categories.
Through a series of meetings and consultations with institutions, companies, and organizations, the CETAP project team is gathering essential insights that will be crucial for developing strategies and plans for the future implementation of circular practices.
Recently, Scott Crossett, the project team leader, and Ion Nae-Musetoiu, the legal expert for the project, visited several key institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to gather information and open discussions about opportunities for improving the circular economy:
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Bijeljina – BASWA
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Bijeljina – Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska
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Mostar – Representative of the Environmental Protection Fund
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Sarajevo – Canton Public Utility Company
These meetings enabled the exchange of experiences and ideas among relevant stakeholders dealing with environmental protection, waste management, and the implementation of green initiatives.
At the same time, Maria Krasteva, an expert on extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, visited additional locations to engage with key stakeholders in the waste management sector:
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Livno – Canton Public Utility Company
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Tuzla – Canton Waste Management Sector
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Travnik – Canton Public Utility Company
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Ilijaš – CIBOS
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Zenica – Canton Waste Management Sector
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Zenica – Zenica Alba Canton Public Utility Company
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Sarajevo – Canton Public Utility Company
These discussions and consultations play a crucial role in shaping the Study, which will propose concrete actions and scenarios for improving circular economy practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus is on implementing sustainable practices that can enhance waste management, reduce environmental impact, and promote circular principles across all sectors of society.
The CETAP project is focused on strengthening the circular economy through separate collection, reuse, and recycling of waste, with goals that include achieving a more sustainable approach to waste management across the country.
The CETAP team continues to work on strengthening sustainable solutions and strategies that will shape a greener and more responsible future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more information about the project, follow us on our channels and continue to be part of this important process!
Project Team Visit to Zenica
The project team were in Zenica to meet with the waste management company ALBA who are responsible for the municipal waste management in the city of Zenica. It was a really interesting meeting and it was great to hear the excellent work being done by Alba in the city. They have done some really good work on raising awareness in schools and pre-schools.
It was a pleasure listening to Dr Džafer Dautbegović and his colleague Ms, Mirsada Hasanbašić. We hope to work more closely with the Zenica Canton on the waste management planning component of the project and will welcome the opportunity to have close collaboration with ALBA.