CETAP’s Second Project Progress Report: Building Momentum

The journey towards a circular economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is well underway. With support from the European Union, the CETAP project continues to drive forward initiatives that strengthen waste management systems, promote reuse and recycling, and build a culture of sustainability. 

Covering the period 15th February – 31st May 2025, the second quarterly progress report highlights major milestones, challenges addressed, and our roadmap for the months ahead.

Key Achievements During the Quarter

1. Launch of Thematic Working Groups

During April we held inaugural meetings of CETAP’s four Thematic Working Groups, each addressing a core pillar of the project:

  • Legal & Policy
  • Technical Solutions
  • Education & Awareness
  • Economics & Markets

These groups bring together diverse stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. Their role is to shape and guide decision-making, ensuring every perspective is considered as BiH works towards aligning its systems with EU waste and circular economy legislation.

2. Assessment of Market Potential for Circular Economy Transition

A central focus of this quarter was the continual delivery of Activity 1.1 – assessing the market potential for applying circular economy principles to special categories of waste.

Key steps achieved included:

  • Regulatory review: Mapping and translating national legislation to align with the EU Waste Package.
  • Stakeholder mapping: Identifying institutions, businesses, universities, and financial actors relevant to the transition.
  • Producer mapping: Cataloguing producers of special waste categories (such as WEEE, ELVs, batteries, tyres, and construction & demolition waste).
  • Capacity evaluation: Reviewing waste management utilities and companies to understand their readiness to expand recycling and reuse.
  • Economic analysis: Draft reports on financial instruments, investor interest, and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) schemes. 

The final Study on Market Potential will present scenarios for BiH’s transition, offering policy, financial, and operational pathways to circularity.

3. Capacity Building Foundations

The team prepared an introductory training programme for environmental ministries, municipal authorities, and other key stakeholders. Training modules cover:

  • EU waste and circular economy policy frameworks
  • Benefits and best practices of circular economies
  • Steps required to drive institutional and regulatory change

These sessions were delivered throughout June, and aim to build a shared understanding of the circular transition at all levels of governance.

4. Waste Exchange Platform Preparations

Another milestone was progress on the Waste Exchange Platform—a digital solution designed to connect suppliers of secondary raw materials with industries that can reuse them.

Highlights included:

  • Engagement with the RS and FBiH Environmental Funds.
  • Establishment of a dedicated working group.
  • Drafting of technical criteria for secondary raw materials.
  • Initial discussions on hosting, governance, and quality control mechanisms. 

The platform is envisioned as a cornerstone of a functioning recycling market in BiH, reducing reliance on landfills and illegal dumping.

5. Public Awareness Campaign – First Draft

CETAP’s communication team completed the first draft of a nationwide awareness campaign strategy, scheduled to launch in November 2025.

The campaign will combine digital, broadcast, outdoor, and community actions, highlighting best practices and success stories from across BiH. Its step-by-step approach—shifting citizens from awareness to action—aims to build public ownership of the circular economy agenda.

Communication & Visibility Success

CETAP’s digital presence grew significantly this quarter:

This growing online footprint is an encouraging sign ahead of the nationwide awareness campaign. And we would like to thank everyone who is supporting the project!

Looking Ahead

The next reporting period will focus on:

  • Finalising the Market Potential Study (Activity 1.1) and presenting findings to the Steering Committee.
  • Delivering capacity building training (Activity 1.2) across BiH.
  • Drafting legal acts for EU alignment (Activity 1.3) and supporting municipal/cantonal waste management planning (Activity 1.4).
  • Advancing the Waste Exchange Platform (Activity 2.1) through technical development and stakeholder coordination.
  • Finalising the Public Awareness Campaign Strategy (Activity 3.1) for rollout later this year.

With stakeholder engagement strong and timelines on track, the CETAP project is entering a decisive phase where plans are transformed into action.

Conclusion

The second quarterly report reflects a project gaining real momentum. From regulatory mapping and producer analysis to awareness campaigns and digital engagement, CETAP is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resource-efficient Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The transition to a circular economy is complex, requiring legal, economic, technical, and cultural shifts. Yet, as this quarter has shown, the foundations are being steadily built—and the country is moving closer to a future where waste is no longer an endpoint but a valuable resource.

by Cetap

The Hidden Cost of Waste: What Happens to Waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Waste can often be thought of as out of sight, out of mind. Once it leaves our hands and goes into a bin we rarely give it a second thought. But where does it all go? And what is the real cost of this growing mountain of waste to our environment, our health, and our economy?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the truth is both alarming and urgent.

The Journey of Waste in BiH

Every day, households, businesses, and industries across the country generate thousands of tonnes of waste. In fact, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) produced 1.2 million tons of municipal waste in 2021, which was a 1.8% increase in the previous year. Each inhabitant of Bosnia and Herzegovina produced an average of 356kg waste - which is the same weight as a fully grown polar bear! 

Some of it is collected by municipal services and taken to landfills. Some of it is burned in open spaces. Though the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) found that around 25% of all disposed waste ends up in illegal dump sites in BiH. The UNDP found that there were over 1,400 illegal waste disposal sites across the country, these illegal sites are not only unsightly but dangerous—breeding grounds for disease, contamination, and even fire.

And alarmingly in April 2025 only six landfills in Bosnia and Herzegovina met EU standards which means that even the majority of waste which is landfilled legally still fail to meet environmental standards.

These sites often lack impermeable bases, proper gas collection, or leachate treatment. Waste includes broad categories like hazardous or organic materials mixed with general trash, without sorting. This means hazardous substances can seep into the soil and water, releasing toxic gases into the air and polluting ecosystems for decades to come. 

Environmental Impact: A Threat to Nature and Climate

Waste that ends up in nature doesn’t just disappear. Plastics break down slowly, a single plastic bottle decomposes over 450 years and turns into microplastics, which can enter the water supply and ultimately the food chain. 

Organic waste dumped in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere. 

While chemicals from improperly disposed electronics, batteries, and medical waste can poison animals and pollute water sources.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich biodiversity with around 5,000 vascular plant species documented which is the equivalent to roughly 30% of Balkan endemic flora, making the region vital for plant conservation.

Sutjeska National Park, one of the country’s three national parks, alone supports 2,600 species of vascular plants, including endemic black pines and beech trees—some over 300 years old—in the ancient Perućica forest.

Among fauna, BiH has native brown bears, Balkan chamois, wolves, lynx, wild cats, and over 300 bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons, thriving in protected landscapes

All of this is under direct threat, without strong waste management systems BiH risks irreversible damage to natural heritage.

Economic Impact: Waste is Wasting Money

Poor waste management is not only an environmental issue. It’s an economic one.

Managing illegal dumping, cleaning rivers, and remediating contaminated land costs municipalities millions each year—funds that could be better spent on schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. At the same time, the country is losing out on the economic value of the materials currently being discarded.

Aluminium, plastics, paper, textiles, and organic matter all have potential second lives. Yet, when mixed and buried in landfills, that value is lost. A functioning circular economy could unlock this potential, turning waste into a resource and creating new opportunities for jobs and businesses.

Additionally, in BiH there is no industrial or hazardous waste disposal site in the country, this in turn means that much of the hazardous waste generated in BiH is exported to EU nations for treatment which is a costly and unsustainable approach.

Health Impact: A Silent Crisis

Improperly managed waste directly affects public health. Open burning releases harmful particulates and carcinogens. Leachate from landfills contaminates groundwater used for drinking. Mosquitoes, rats, and other disease vectors thrive in illegal dumpsites.

Communities living near unmanaged waste sites often report higher rates of respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems. Children are particularly vulnerable. The long-term costs to the healthcare system, productivity, and wellbeing are substantial.

Why Change Is Urgent?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not alone in facing these challenges. Across the Western Balkans, countries are grappling with the legacy of underinvestment in waste infrastructure. But change is coming.

As part of its path toward EU accession, BiH will need to align with the bloc’s ambitious environmental and circular economy targets. That means reducing landfill dependency, improving recycling rates, and investing in systems that prioritise prevention, reuse, and recovery.

But this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about building a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.

Advances are already being made and, supported by the European Union, Sweden and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a new regional centre in Živinice has been operating since April 2025. It is now the first sanitary landfill with an integrated recycling yard and gas management in Tuzla canton. It serves around 100,000 residents and includes infrastructure to treat leachate and capture methane gas. 

The Role of CETAP: Driving the Transition

Project CETAP (Circular Economy Transition Action Plan) was created to support this transformation to reduce waste, improve recycling and help develop a circular economy. By helping local governments, businesses, and communities understand the true cost, and value, of waste, CETAP is laying the groundwork for change.

Through data-driven research, public awareness campaigns, and the development of pilot programmes, CETAP is:

  • Identifying key waste streams and opportunities for circularity.
  • Supporting local authorities in upgrading waste collection and sorting systems.
  • Engaging citizens to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
  • Advocating for the investment in circular solutions.

Waste doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be an opportunity.

What Can You Do?

Tackling the waste crisis in BiH requires collective effort. Everyone has a role to play:

  • Sort your waste: Separate recyclable materials from general waste. Encourage your local authorities to provide better sorting facilities.
  • Avoid single-use plastics: Choose reusable alternatives whenever possible.
  • Report illegal dumping: Speak up and demand accountability.
  • Support circular businesses: Buy local, repair instead of replace, and look for products made with recycled content.

Small actions, multiplied across communities, create big change.

Toward a Cleaner Bosnia and Herzegovina

The hidden cost of waste is too high to ignore. From polluted rivers and rising health problems to missed economic opportunities, the current system is unsustainable.

But with the right policies, investments, and public support, Bosnia and Herzegovina become a circular economy. One where waste is designed out, materials are reused, and nature is protected.

Project CETAP is proud to be part of this essential transition. Because waste doesn’t just disappear. It shapes our future.

by Cetap

Project CETAP’s third Successful Steering Committee Meeting

On 1st July 2025, the CETAP Project Steering Committee gathered in Sarajevo for its third meeting, bringing together representatives from ministries, municipalities, EU Delegation, and project partners to review progress and set the direction for the months ahead.

Driving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Circular Economy Transition

The session underscored CETAP’s mission to accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s shift from a linear to a circular economy. Discussions focused on the progress of recent activities, including:

  • Introductory workshops in five cities (Bihać, Mostar, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Brčko) which engaged more than 130 participants from 90+ organisations. These sessions delivered SWOT analyses, evaluations, and strong momentum for future capacity-building.

  • Upcoming training programmes for public and private sector stakeholders, beginning in September 2025, which will guide municipalities in reviewing and developing waste management plans.

  • Pilot actions to strengthen the secondary raw materials market, including a new platform for trading recyclables.

Strategic Challenges and the Path Forward

Committee members recognised that transitioning to a circular economy requires more than isolated projects. Stronger policy leadership, inter-ministerial cooperation, and alignment with EU standards will be vital.

To support this, CETAP will analyse institutional and practical barriers and outline a strategic roadmap for Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Building Awareness and Engagement

The project is also advancing communication guidelines to ensure circular economy messages resonate with citizens across all regions. The focus is on creating a unified, relatable message that empowers people to make behavioural changes—supported by the right infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

Key next steps agreed at the meeting include:

  • Finalising and sharing reports on training activities, exemplary municipalities, and baseline assessments in July 2025.

  • Preparing a study visit to an EU Member State to showcase best practices in waste management and recycling.

  • Continuing dialogue with ministries and stakeholders to secure commitment and harmonisation at national level.

A Collective Effort

The meeting closed with recognition of the constructive contributions from all members and a shared commitment to keep driving momentum. CETAP continues to be a platform where institutions, civil society, and international partners collaborate to shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Project CETAP would like to thank all of the Project Steering Committee members for their valued input helping to make the project a success.

by Cetap

What Is a Circular Economy—and Why Does Bosnia and Herzegovina Need One?

Imagine a world where waste doesn’t exist. Where everything we produce, use, and consume has another life, another use, and another purpose. This is the vision of a circular economy—a model that offers not only a solution to the mounting environmental crisis but also a promising pathway to economic resilience. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the time to embrace this transformation is now.

From Linear to Circular: What Does It Mean?

For many decades, most of the world has followed a linear economic model: take, make, use, and discard. Raw materials are extracted, products are manufactured and consumed, and what's left becomes waste. This model depends on firstly an infinite amount of resources, and secondly, an infinite capacity to absorb endless pollution and waste —both of which, in reality, are finite.

The circular economy flips this logic. Instead of discarding resources, we keep them in use for as long as possible. Products are designed to be reused, repaired, refurbished, or recycled. And by separating organics from our landfill we can put the nutrition from food waste back into the earth.

In practical terms, it means designing clothes that can be recycled, encouraging refillable packaging, turning organic waste into compost, and ensuring electronics can be easily repaired. It's not just about environmental protection; it’s a smarter way of doing business.

Why Does Bosnia and Herzegovina Need a Circular Economy?

Like many countries in the Western Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a range of environmental and economic challenges. Waste management systems are outdated. Illegal dumping is widespread. Landfills are overburdened. Meanwhile, industries rely heavily on imported raw materials, creating both economic dependency and vulnerability. A circular economy could address all of this.

Firstly, by repurposing and recycling what was once seen as waste means that less materials are sent to landfills. In 2019, only around 2.2 % of waste was recycled in BiH (the rest was landfilled or illegally dumped), and current figures suggest it’s still between 2-5%. In contrast to this Eurostat states that in 2023, the EU recycled 246 kg per person—which represents 48.0 % of all municipal waste generated.

In BiH much of what could be recovered—plastic, paper, metals, and organics —ends up in landfills or illegally dumped in nature. With the right infrastructure, policies, and public awareness, these valuable materials could be kept in the loop of the economy.

Secondly, a circular economy helps create jobs and foster local innovation. Circular practices like repair, remanufacturing, composting, and material recovery are often more labour-intensive than linear alternatives. That means more opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and young people looking for meaningful work.

Thirdly, it would strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy. By reducing dependence on raw material imports and boosting the use of secondary materials, industries become more resilient to global shocks. Circularity can also make local supply chains more efficient and less wasteful, helping businesses save money while benefiting the environment.

Finally, it's about public health and quality of life. Cleaner environments, fewer illegal dumps, and better air and water quality benefit not just our environment but also the people who inhabit it, whether in a village, town or city. A circular economy supports a more liveable, healthy, and sustainable Bosnia and Herzegovina for all.

Learning from Others, Leading Our Own Way

Countries across Europe are already putting circular economy principles into practice. In the Netherlands, repair cafes and sharing platforms are commonplace. In Slovenia, Mariborm, a once-declining industrial city has become a beacon of circular innovation. The EU's Circular Economy Action Plan is guiding ambitious targets for waste reduction, product design, and green job creation. Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t need to start from scratch—but it does need to act.

Project CETAP (Circular Economy Transition Action Plan) exists to help drive that change. By supporting policy reform, piloting circular solutions, and raising public awareness, CETAP is laying the foundation for a new, regenerative economic model. One that serves people and planet.

What Can You Do?

Circular economy isn’t just a matter for policymakers or big businesses. It starts with all of us.

Here are a few simple steps anyone can take:

● Reduce waste: Buy only what you need. Choose products with less packaging. Bring your own bag.
● Reuse and repair: Fix broken items instead of throwing them away. Pass things on instead of throwing them out.
● Recycle correctly: Learn the rules in your municipality and sort your waste accordingly.
● Support local: Choose businesses that prioritise sustainability, use local materials, or offer repair services.

Every small action contributes to a bigger shift. As awareness grows, so too does the momentum for structural change.

A Circular Future for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Transitioning to a circular economy won’t happen overnight. It requires long-term commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and a shift in mindset. But the rewards—economic, environmental, and social—are worth the effort.

Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at a crossroads. With vision and determination, it can become a regional leader in circular economy innovation. Project CETAP is here to support that journey—connecting communities, guiding policy, and inspiring a new way forward.

Because waste is not just a problem to manage. It’s a resource to unlock. And the circular economy is how we turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

It’s time to bin bad habits and recycle waste.

by Cetap

Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader undertake important mission in April

It was another busy month for the Team Leader and Dr Musetoiu with a hectic round of stakeholder meetings during the two week mission in the month. These stakeholder meetings have been an excellent opportunity to gather data for the Activity 1.1 report on the baseline assessment in BiH in terms of the transitioning process from a linear to a circular economy. It has been really excellent to get engaged with so many professionals from the sector and the meetings have been extremely fruitful and have provided an excellent insight into the important work being done in terms of the progression towards a circular economy in BiH.

This month we had meetings with the following stakeholders in Sarajevo:

Mr Ismar Čeremida, UNDP; Zlata Grabovac and Selma Sokočević both from the Environmental protection sector - Canton Sarajevo department; Mrs Maja Bralović Smith and Mrs Emina Ljubijankic both from the MIBRAL Construction Company;  Mr Senaid Bajrić from Euro Asfalt; Mrs Aida Terzić and Mrs Alisa Ibraković both from APOSO;  Irem Silajdzic , Sejla Mahmutovic ,Muris Mesetovic, all from the ENOVA Consulting Company who are currently working on the UNDP Project to develop a Federal Waste Management Plan.

It was also nice to be able to catch up with two of the project steering committee members during the mission and Azra Bašić, Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Sanja Grubačić, Ministry of FTER

Our Team Leader also had the pleasure of meeting Sevala Korajcevic, Agency for Statistics of B&H and we look forward to close co-operation with her and her team as we implement the project.

Also it was great to meet Almir Bajtarević, Environment Manager at Hiedelberg Materials, Cement Factory in Kakanj.

While Ion travelled to Mostar to meet with Minister Emil Balav, Cantonal Waste Management Department Representative the Team Leader managed to squeeze in an online meeting with Esma Kreso and Anrea Muharemovic, World Bank Group-Bosnia and Herzegovina prior to departing for the airport.

The project Team Leader would like to thank everyone who has provided their time during April to have these vitally important stakeholder engagement meetings and he looks forward to close collaboration with those stakeholders.

by Cetap

1st Project Progress Report: Laying the Foundations for a Circular Economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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.

by Cetap

2nd Project Steering Committee Meeting

March marked a significant milestone on the Circular Economy project in Bosnia & Hercegovina as we hosted the second Project Steering Committee meeting. It has been a really productive period on the project and marks the start of an intensive period of activity in the run up to the summer period. We now turn our attention to the Implementation phase and the first activities of the project.

The steering committee meeting was held in Sarajevo and it was really good to meet the members of the committee again and go through the outputs of the reporting period together. The meeting is also an opportunity for the members of the committee to get an insight into the implementation plans in a bit more detail than was outlined on the implementation methodology. 

The steering committee are really supportive of the project and its aims and objectives. They all have a clear understanding of what the expectation level is from this technical assistance project and how they can optimise the benefits from it for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We have a three-monthly cycle of project steering committee meetings The team are really looking forward to working with them over the course of the project lifetime. The next meeting is planned for the end of June 2025 and this will work in well with the completion of the first activities of the implementation phase.

by Cetap

Driving Circular Change: Financial and Legislative Insights from March 2025 Mission

As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its transition toward a circular economy, the CETAP project is building the knowledge, partnerships and policy groundwork needed to reform waste management across the country. In March 2025, financial and legislative expert Mihail Asenov led a mission to deepen the project's understanding of economic structures, policy alignment, and the role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in driving change.

Bridging Policy, Practice and the Market

The mission, carried out between 9–20 March, engaged with over a dozen stakeholders across Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Brčko District, including ministries, environmental funds, producer responsibility organisations (PROs), and private sector actors. These meetings revealed critical opportunities and obstacles in aligning Bosnia and Herzegovina’s systems with the EU Waste Package and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Key Highlights and Learnings

  • Waste Exchange Platform Development: Consultations with the Environmental Protection Funds of both entities confirmed institutional interest in hosting a national waste exchange platform. Discussions covered technical, financial, and governance considerations.

  • EPR System Fragmentation: The mission highlighted inconsistencies in EPR fee collection, reporting, and enforcement. Stakeholders identified a need for regulatory harmonisation, improved oversight, and greater transparency—especially in the packaging and e-waste sectors.

  • Market Realities and Data Gaps: Many PROs reported underfunding, unclear legal responsibilities, and significant gaps in data quality and waste tracking. Several called for reforms to ensure open tendering and the inclusion of more private collectors.

  • Government Engagement: Ministries from both the Federation and Republika Srpska expressed commitment to legislative alignment with EU directives. However, capacity building and clearer implementation pathways are still needed.

  • Chambers and Collaboration: The Chamber of Economy of FBiH welcomed the opportunity to play a coordinating role in circular economy planning, especially around awareness raising and training.

Next Steps

Based on the mission’s outcomes, the following actions are underway:

  • Formation of a Finance, Economy and Market Working Group by the end of April.

  • Drafting of the Study on Market Potential for circular economy transition.

  • Development of coordinated plans for EPR reform and economic instrument alignment.

  • Preparation of the next mission, scheduled for late April.

Laying the Economic Foundation for Circularity

This mission provided essential insight into the economic and legal conditions underpinning Bosnia and Herzegovina’s circular economy potential. As the CETAP project progresses, these findings will inform not only strategic planning but also practical recommendations for building a robust, harmonised, and financially viable system for waste recovery and recycling.

To learn more and follow the progress of CETAP, visit www.cetap.ba/en/news.

by Cetap

Strengthening Circular Economy Insights Across Bosnia and Herzegovina: Highlights from the March 2025 Mission

The EU-funded CETAP project continues to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey toward a circular economy. As part of this momentum, an expert mission was conducted in March 2025 across several regions, providing invaluable on-the-ground insights into local waste management practices, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement.

On-the-Ground Engagement Across the Federation and Republika Srpska

Led by international expert Maria Krasteva from Environment Agency Austria, the mission covered key municipalities in both entities, including Canton 10 (Livno), Tuzla, Zenica, Travnik, and Banja Luka. The objective was to assess the current state of waste generation, collection, and treatment—with a focus on special categories such as e-waste, used tyres, batteries, and End-of-Life Vehicles (EoLVs).

Site visits and interviews were conducted with:

  • Public Utility Companies (PUCs) in Livno, Tuzla, Travnik, and Zenica
  • Private scrap and recycling operators
  • Metal reprocessing firms (e.g., Cibos)
  • Local environmental authorities
  • The Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska
  • Regional landfill and sorting facilities in Sarajevo

Key Findings

  1. Varying Levels of Readiness: The mission revealed significant regional differences in capacity and infrastructure for waste collection and recycling. Some cantons have initiated dual collection systems, while others still rely heavily on mixed waste disposal.

  2. Challenges in Special Waste Categories: Consistent issues were raised around handling of EoLVs, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and tyres—largely due to fragmented responsibilities, insufficient enforcement, and lack of data.

  3. Resource Constraints and Investment Needs: Across both public and private stakeholders, a common concern was the limited financial and technical capacity to implement advanced waste recovery solutions without external support.

  4. Strong Willingness to Cooperate: Encouragingly, all stakeholders expressed readiness to participate in technical working groups and to align their strategies with CETAP’s goals.

Looking Ahead

The mission outcomes will directly inform the development of the Study on the Market Potential for Circular Economy Application, feeding into the assessment of market potential for circular economy principles. Follow-up actions include:

  • Establishment of a dedicated Technical Working Group by the end of April.

  • Finalisation of activity plans to support legal harmonisation and local implementation.

  • Continued collaboration on waste data collection and planning support for municipal partner.

Collaboration in Action

CETAP’s hands-on approach—combining policy planning with deep community engagement—is already proving instrumental in tailoring solutions to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique context. The March mission reinforced the need for integrated action across government levels, industry, and civil society to make the circular economy a functional reality.

To stay updated on future activities and reports, visit www.cetap.ba/en/news.

by Cetap

Project Team Visit to Mostar

Mostar is an important city for the project team as it is host to the only function Environment Fund at Cantonal level in the Federation. Dr Musetoiu and the project team leader travelled to Mostar to meet representatives from the Cantonal Fund. It was an excellent meeting and the project team meet with the following representatives from the Fund: Daniel Brkić, Legal Department and Goran Čevro, Technical Service.

by Cetap