EU launches a nationwide public awareness campaign on sustainable waste management across Bosnia and Herzegovina “Let’s adopt new habits! Let’s use waste!”
Banja Luka, 1st June 2026 – The public awareness campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina entitled “Let’s adopt new habits! Let’s use waste!”, financed by the European Union, was presented today in Banja Luka at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republika Srpska, following successeful kick-off events held in Sarajevo and Brčko. The event brought together representatives of key sector institutions, relevant stakeholders and representatives of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who jointly expressed their support for the campaign and reaffirmed their commitment to improving sustainable waste management in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the event, the speakers emphasised the urgency of improving waste recovery through separation, reuse and recycling throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling on institutions, the business sector, as well as the citizens to adopt new habits and contribute to a more sustainable waste management system.
“Today we continue the rollout of this public awareness campaign here in Banja Luka, following successful kick-offs in Sarajevo and Brčko. The campaign highlights how everyday choices shape our environment, health and future. With the support of the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina is aligning its waste management system with EU standards and moving away from the ‘take–make–dispose’ model. The European Union remains a strong partner in this process. To date, we have invested nearly 140 million EUR in environmental protection, including waste management and environmental infrastructure. However, lasting change depends on all of us, institutions, businesses and citizens alike,”
said Antonella Di Sandri, Head of Section for Economic Development, Green Transition and Investments at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The campaign is implemented within the EU-funded technical assistance project CETAP and is an integral part of the European Union’s long-lasting support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening environmental protection and waste management, in line with the EU standards.
Addressing the audience, Duško Solomun, Assistant Minister for Environmental Protection at the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology, stated:
“We must jointly recognize that our natural resources are limited. That the recovery and reuse of waste materials represent a significant economic opportunity — an opportunity that reduces our dependence on primary raw materials by reintroducing waste streams into production processes as secondary raw materials.
The Government of the Republic of Srpska fully recognizes the importance of this transition and the long-term benefits it can bring. The Government of the Republic of Srpska is also aware that the transition from a linear to a circular economy is a demanding and complex process, so it is essential that this process is managed in a manner and at a pace that will not negatively impact the economy or the well-being of our citizens.
The EU’s assistance is also important in this process, which, through IPA funds and through projects such as the CETAP project, is helping us in this transition from a linear to a circular economy.”
A central feature of the promotional events is the presentation of the Eco Guardians – a team of educational and friendly characters, each representing a specific waste stream. Through clear, engaging and easy-to-understand messages, the Eco Guardians demonstrate how proper waste separation gives materials a “second life”, reinforcing the message that everyday items such as paper, glass, plastic and bio-waste are not waste, but valuable resources.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage behavioural change and inspire citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt everyday waste separation habits and to recognise waste as a valuable resource, said Edward Scott Crossett, Team Leader of the EU-funded CETAP project.
CETAP (Circular Economy Technical Assistance Project for Improving the Recovery of Materials from Waste through Separate Collection, Reuse and Recycling) is a European Union project supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition towards sustainable waste management. The project promotes the development of new markets for waste as a resource, enhances recycling capacities and municipal services, and supports the drafting of legislation aligned with the EU Waste Package. It also provides support to competent institutions in establishing sustainable systems for the collection and treatment of specific waste streams, in line with circular economy principles.
Attachments: Brand Book – overview of the campaign’s complete visual identity, campaign logo and characters. More information about the campaign and its activities is available at: www.cetap.ba
Media contact information:
Project CETAP communications team
Email: info@cetap.ba
Phone: +387 33 563 582
CETAP Hosts Roundtables to Support BiH’s Transition to a Circular Economy
As part of the Circular Economy Technical Assistance Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, CETAP hosted a series of roundtable events from 28–30 April 2026 in Banja Luka, Tuzla and Sarajevo, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the policy, planning and engagement mechanisms needed to support the country’s transition from a linear to a circular economy. Across the three events, participants explored how circularity can be enabled through stronger economic instruments, more ambitious waste management planning, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
The first roundtable, held in Banja Luka at the Chamber of Commerce, focused on Policy and Economic Instrument Enablers to Facilitate Transition to Circularity. The session examined how fiscal and market-based instruments can help make circular choices more economically attractive, including VAT differentiation for repair, reuse and remanufactured goods, Extended Producer Responsibility fee modulation, taxes on virgin raw materials, subsidies for secondary materials, and the role of public procurement in creating demand for circular products.
The second roundtable also took place in Banja Luka at the Chamber of Commerce and focused on the Circular Supply Chain within a Circular Economy. Discussions also explored how EU policy architecture can support circular supply chains while avoiding unnecessary complexity, market distortion or disproportionate burdens on businesses and consumers.
The third roundtable took place in Tuzla and focused on Waste Management Planning. Participants discussed how Waste Management Plans can evolve from disposal-focused compliance documents into strategic tools for resource circulation, prevention, reuse, repair and material value retention. The event explored the need to align local and regional planning with EU circular economy frameworks, while also addressing practical delivery challenges such as infrastructure investment, data systems, separate collection, funding models, EPR revenues, digitalisation, and the role of municipalities in supporting more advanced waste and resource management systems.
The fourth roundtable, held in Sarajevo, addressed Stakeholder Engagement Mechanisms to Facilitate Transition from a Linear to a Circular Economy. The discussions focused on how public authorities, producers, SMEs, citizens, social enterprises and other actors can move beyond traditional consultation towards genuine co-creation of circular economy strategies. Participants examined how to craft successful public awareness campaign for waste management, and how these can support measurable changes in production, consumption, reuse and recycling behaviours.
Across all four roundtables, CETAP created space for professional discussion, keynote presentations and group sessions led by CETAP experts. Participants considered important questions around who should bear the costs of transition, how public authorities can balance ambition with practical delivery, how SMEs and citizens can be meaningfully involved, and which policy tools are most likely to deliver results in the short and medium term.
The roundtables highlighted that the transition to a circular economy requires more than technical waste management improvements alone. It depends on coherent policy, credible economic incentives, strong local planning, reliable data, institutional cooperation and public participation.
By connecting these themes across the three events, CETAP supported stakeholders in identifying practical pathways for strengthening circular economy implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and aligning national progress with EU circular economy objectives.
CETAP Training Strengthens Local Capacity for Circular Waste Collection Systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina
As part of the Circular Economy Technical Assistance Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, CETAP delivered a dedicated training programme on Waste Collection Schemes, Options and Challenges from 4–8 May, bringing together representatives of local authorities, utility companies and relevant stakeholders to support the development of more effective, financially sustainable and circular-oriented waste collection systems.
The training was designed to strengthen practical knowledge around the planning, design and implementation of modern waste collection systems, with a strong focus on local application in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Across the programme, participants explored how municipalities, cantons and utility companies can move beyond traditional waste collection approaches and begin building systems that support waste prevention, separate collection, recycling and long-term circular economy outcomes.
The session opened with “Tools That Change Behaviour: Engagement Mechanisms That Deliver Real Circular Outcomes”, delivered by Scott Crossett, setting the tone for the day by highlighting the role of public engagement, communication and behaviour change in making waste systems work in practice. This was followed by technical sessions led by Harri Moora and Tomas Thernström, who introduced participants to the current waste management situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including collection coverage, separate collection challenges and the expectations linked to EU approximation.
A key theme of the training was that successful waste collection systems cannot rely on one single model. Participants examined the different roles of kerbside collection, communal collection systems and staffed recycling centres, and considered how each approach can be adapted for different waste fractions and target groups, including single houses, multi-family housing, rural areas and businesses. Through interactive discussions, participants mapped existing local practices and reflected on which systems are most appropriate for their own communities.
The training also placed strong emphasis on the importance of planning. Participants explored how waste collection systems need to be integrated into municipal planning processes from the earliest stages, including spatial plans, development decisions and building permits. Using examples from Sweden, the training demonstrated how waste assessments can help ensure that collection systems are properly designed before infrastructure is built, and reinforced the responsibility of municipalities to define the permitted systems and technical standards required for effective implementation.
Practical examples from Sweden and Estonia were used throughout the programme to show how different collection systems can be designed, communicated and financed in real-world settings. These examples helped participants consider how international good practice can be adapted to the Bosnia and Herzegovina context, particularly in relation to residual waste, food waste, packaging waste, bulky waste, hazardous waste, e-waste, textiles and garden waste.
By the end of the training, participants had developed a clearer understanding of how waste collection systems can be planned, financed, communicated and adapted to local needs. The training provided not only technical guidance, but also a practical framework for decision-making, helping stakeholders identify realistic improvements that can support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition towards a more circular economy.
Through activities such as this, CETAP continues to support institutions, municipalities, utility companies and other stakeholders in building the knowledge, systems and cooperation needed to improve waste management and align with EU circular economy objectives.
CETAP hosts Circular Economy Conference 2026
On 21 April 2026, CETAP hosted our Circular Economy Conference as part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sustainability journey. Bringing together industry leaders, institutions, and environmental experts from across Europe and the Western Balkans, the conference marked a pivotal moment in advancing the country’s transition from a linear to a circular economic model.
At a time when alignment with EU environmental legislation is becoming increasingly critical, the event provided a platform to move beyond theory and into action. Central to the discussions was the presentation of CETAP’s Study on the Market Potential for Circular Economy Principles in Special Waste Categories, which outlined the current state of circularity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and set out clear, actionable recommendations for progress. The study highlighted both the opportunities and structural challenges facing the country, offering a roadmap to support policy development, investment planning, and practical implementation.
From Policy to Practice
The conference programme explored key pillars of the circular transition, including EU policy frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the financial mechanisms required to support systemic change. Sessions led by international and regional experts demonstrated how legislative tools and economic incentives can be used to drive behavioural and operational change across sectors.
Crucially, the event reinforced that the circular economy is not just an environmental ambition—it is an economic opportunity. Discussions around financing models and cost-benefit dynamics made it clear that circularity can unlock efficiency gains, reduce long-term costs, and improve resilience across Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy.
Showcasing Local Innovation
A standout feature of the event was the Best Practice Showcase, which brought the circular economy to life through real examples from Bosnian businesses. Companies from across different sectors demonstrated how they are redesigning products, rethinking processes, and reducing waste in ways that create both environmental and commercial value.
Presentations were given by Ekopak, Eko Grad and Brick.block.ba. These case studies showed that circular principles are already being successfully applied within the local context. By sharing their experiences openly, the showcase created a space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Collaboration as the Catalyst
One of the strongest themes emerging from the conference was the importance of collaboration. The transition to a circular economy cannot be achieved by any single stakeholder alone. It requires coordinated action between government institutions, municipalities, businesses, financial organisations, and citizens.
The event successfully created a forum for this multi-stakeholder dialogue, enabling participants to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and contribute to shaping a shared vision for the future. From waste management planning to public awareness and behavioural change, the message was clear: progress depends on alignment, cooperation, and sustained commitment.
Looking Ahead
As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its path towards EU integration and sustainable development, the Circular Economy Conference in Sarajevo represents an important step forward.
CETAP would like to thank all of our speakers at the conference, as well as all of the stakeholders who attended the event.
Empowering the Next Generation: Trashformers Competition Inspires Circular Thinking
The Trashformers competition, delivered in partnership between Europe House and CETAP, has once again demonstrated the power of education in driving meaningful behavioural change. Bringing together schools from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the initiative challenged students to develop creative, practical solutions focused on reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles within their schools and local communities.
This year’s competition saw an impressive 47 submissions from primary and secondary schools nationwide, reflecting both the growing awareness of environmental issues and the enthusiasm of young people to be part of the solution. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 20 schools were shortlisted for peer voting, culminating in the selection of six outstanding winning teams—three from primary schools and three from secondary schools. Their projects showcased not only creativity, but a clear understanding of how everyday actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Celebrating Innovation and Impact
The six winning schools—Druga osnovna škola Brčko, Četvrta osnovna škola Brčko District, Osnovna škola “Dvorovi”, Gimnazija “Meša Selimović” Tuzla, Srednja škola Konjic, and Srednjoškolski centar “Nedžad Ibrišimović” Ilijaš—stood out for their ability to translate circular economy concepts into tangible, community-focused initiatives. From reuse and recycling projects to awareness campaigns and creative redesigns of waste materials, their work highlighted the diversity of approaches to sustainability already emerging across the country.
The award ceremony, hosted at Europe House in Sarajevo, brought together students, teachers, and partners to celebrate these achievements. It was a powerful reminder that when young people are given the platform and encouragement to act, they respond with energy, optimism, and innovation.
Turning Ideas into Experience
As part of their reward, each winning team will take part in an eco-excursion to a nature park within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, these trips will give students the opportunity to connect directly with the natural environment they are working to protect. Each excursion includes transport, refreshments, and guided educational activities, ensuring a meaningful and memorable experience for all participants.
CETAP will fund five of the winning teams, with Europe House supporting one team as well as delivering the overall competition and award ceremony. This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to investing in young people as key drivers of long-term change.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Trashformers is more than a competition—it is part of a broader effort to embed circular economy thinking into everyday life across Bosnia and Herzegovina. By engaging students at an early stage, the initiative helps build the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes needed to support a long-term transition towards more sustainable behaviours.
Crucially, the competition also reinforces the importance of partnerships. By working together, CETAP and Europe House have created a platform that not only educates but inspires, ensuring that the impact of the campaign extends well beyond its immediate activities.
As these students take their ideas back into their schools and communities, they become ambassadors for change—proving that the transition to a circular economy starts with the habits we build today.
Working Meetings Held in the Central Bosnia and Posavina Cantons
Within the framework of the CETAP project (Technical Assistance for Enhanced Material Recovery from
Waste through Separate Collection, Reuse, and Recycling based on Circular Economy Principles),
working meetings were held in the municipalities of Dobretići, Travnik, and Kiseljak in the Central Bosnia
Canton, as well as in Domaljevac in the Posavina Canton.
The meetings were attended by representatives of municipalities and public utility companies,
appointed to working groups on waste management, with the aim of collecting relevant data on the
current state of waste management systems at local and cantonal levels.
The focus of the meetings was on analysing existing capacities, infrastructure, collection and disposal
systems, as well as identifying key challenges and needs within the waste management sector. The
collected information will serve as a basis for the development of municipal and cantonal waste
management plans, in line with circular economy principles and applicable legal frameworks.
The CETAP project aims to improve waste management systems by strengthening institutional
capacities, enhancing planning processes, and introducing modern solutions in the field of
environmental protection.
These meetings represent an important step towards the preparation of high-quality and
implementable planning documents that will contribute to more efficient and sustainable waste
management across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How CETAP Used Behavioural Science to Understand Recycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Understanding Behaviour Before Changing It
Before asking citizens to change how they manage waste, CETAP took a step back to understand a more fundamental question:
Why do people recycle—or not recycle—in the first place?
To answer this, CETAP conducted a nationwide behavioural survey using the COM-B model, a globally recognised framework for understanding behaviour.
What is COM-B?
COM-B is a behavioural science model that explains that behaviour (B) is driven by three key factors:
- Capability – Do people have the knowledge and skills to perform the behaviour?
- Opportunity – Does the environment enable or support the behaviour?
- Motivation – Do people want or intend to perform the behaviour?
For behaviour to change, all three must be present.
CETAP structured its survey around these components, asking:
- Five quantitative questions per category
- One qualitative question to capture deeper insights
This approach ensured both measurable data and real human perspectives. The survey gathered responses from across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brčko District. Providing a comprehensive picture of recycling behaviours across the country.
What the Research Revealed
- Capability: A Knowledge Gap
The findings showed that many citizens are uncertain about how to recycle correctly.
While awareness of recycling exists, practical understanding is limited. Respondents frequently expressed confusion about:
- Waste separation rules
- Which materials are recyclable
- What happens to waste after collection
This highlights a clear need for simple, consistent, and visible public education.
- Opportunity: System Barriers
Even when people are willing to recycle, they are often constrained by their environment.
The survey revealed:
- Limited access to recycling infrastructure
- Inconsistent availability of containers
- Perceived inconvenience
Additionally, some respondents expressed low trust in the system, questioning whether separated waste is ultimately recycled.
This demonstrates that infrastructure and system visibility are critical to behaviour change.
- Motivation: Positive but Not Habitual
Encouragingly, most respondents recognise the importance of recycling and express a willingness to participate.
However:
- Recycling is not yet embedded as a daily habit
- It is often seen as secondary or optional
- Convenience strongly influences behaviour
This suggests that while motivation exists, it requires reinforcement through ease, visibility, and normalisation.
What This Means for Behaviour Change
The key takeaway from the survey is clear: Citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina are willing to recycle but they feel unsupported in doing so effectively. This insight directly informs CETAP’s public awareness campaign:
- Awareness & Knowledge (Capability): Clear, accessible guidance on how to recycle – CETAP is adding signage to recycling sites that exist to help showcase what can be recycled.
- System Visibility (Opportunity): We are working with municipalities and waste operators to improve Waste Management Plans with the goal of this to then impact infrastructure and communication
- Habit Formation (Motivation): Encouraging simple, repeatable actions that make recycling part of everyday life, by hosting community and school competitions we will help encourage good recycling habits.
From Insight to Action
By grounding its campaign in behavioural science, CETAP ensures that its interventions are not based on assumptions—but on real evidence.
This approach strengthens:
- Policy alignment with EU waste standards
- Public engagement strategies
- Long-term sustainability of behaviour change
Ultimately, understanding behaviour is the first step toward changing it—and CETAP is using that insight to help Bosnia and Herzegovina transition towards a more circular future.
CETAP Delivers Successful Waste Management Workshops across Bosnia and Herzegovina
Within the CETAP project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, successful workshops were held in Banja Luka, Odžak, Travnik, and Sarajevo in the period from 23 to 26 March 2026. The trainings brought together representatives of local authorities, utility companies, and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening capacities for circular waste management.
During the workshops, key topics were covered, including strategic waste management planning, the application of economic instruments and financing mechanisms, as well as the importance of waste data collection and analysis for informed decision-making. Special focus was placed on the development of waste management plans and their implementation at the local level.
Lectures were delivered by international experts from the Stockholm Environment Institute, Tomas Thernström and Harri Moora, as well as local CETAP team experts Elma Kavazović and Amela Lepić, specialists in waste management. Participants expressed satisfaction with the organization and content of the workshops, highlighting their practical value and significance for improving local waste management systems.
Thematic Working Groups Workshop Advances Circular Economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 26 February 2026, stakeholders from across Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered at Hotel Hills in Sarajevo for a full-day Thematic Working Groups (TWG) Workshop, focused on accelerating progress toward improved waste management systems and a stronger circular economy framework.
The workshop brought together government representatives, technical experts, financial specialists and communications leaders to review progress, align on priorities, and strengthen coordination across four critical areas: legislation and policy, waste management operations, finance and economics, and education and public awareness.
Setting the Direction
The workshop opened with an introduction from E. Scott Crossett, CETAP Team Leader, who outlined the objectives of the day: to ensure that reform efforts are practical, coordinated, and aligned with European Union standards, while remaining grounded in the specific needs and realities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Legislation and Policy
The first session focused on legislative alignment and policy development.
Dr. Ion Nae Musetoiu presented the scope of work related to legislative alignment, outlining the process and stakeholder engagement approach required to harmonise domestic legislation with EU environmental acquis. Emphasis was placed on transparency, consultation, and structured implementation pathways.
Simona Mihaela Ghita followed with a presentation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes — examining current systems and exploring how future reforms can ensure producers take greater responsibility for the lifecycle of products and packaging.
The session concluded with a moderated discussion, allowing participants to raise practical questions about enforcement, institutional coordination, and implementation timelines.
Waste Management Operations
The second session moved from policy to implementation.
Maria Krasteva presented updated Waste Management Guidelines, highlighting the importance of standardised procedures, clear operational benchmarks, and improved coordination between municipalities and service providers.
Mihail Asenov then introduced key components of Waste Management Plans, outlining how strategic planning at local and entity levels can ensure measurable improvements in waste collection, separation, and treatment.
Discussions focused on bridging the gap between planning and execution — ensuring that operational improvements are realistic, funded, and supported by trained personnel.
Finance and Economics
Dr. Paolo Bacca presented on developing bankable projects and feasibility studies, emphasising the importance of preparing investment-ready documentation that meets international financial institution standards.
Tomas Thernstrom then shared findings and recommendations from Sub-Activity 1.1 on economic analysis, highlighting key financial challenges and opportunities within the waste management sector. And showcased best practices and their results from Sweden.
Education and Public Awareness
The final session addressed behavioural changes and stakeholder education.
Scott Crossett presented the Public Awareness Campaign Strategy, outlining a structured approach to influencing habits, increasing recycling participation, and improving waste separation quality. The strategy emphasises clarity of messaging, community engagement, and long-term behaviour change rather than short-term visibility.
A second presentation by E. Scott Crossett detailed the upcoming series of trainings, stakeholder conferences, and roundtables designed to build institutional capacity and ensure that reform is supported by informed and engaged actors at all levels.
Conclusion
The members of the Thematic Working Group play an integral role in CETAP and their time and feedback is greatly appreciated, the team at CETAP would like to once again thank all of our TWG members for dedicating their time to the session and for their valuable input.
Together, let's help Bosnia and Herzegovina to think differently about waste
Campaign “Let’s adopt new habits! Let’s use waste!” is part of the European Union’s support for sustainable waste management in the context of the circular economy, and is implemented within the CETAP project (Technical assistance for improved utilization of materials from waste through separate collection, reuse and recycling based on the principles of the circular economy).
It will last for a year and will combine public events, educational activities, media promotion and community engagement, with the aim of raising awareness of waste as a resource and, in this regard, encouraging behavioral changes through improved waste separation, recovery and recycling across the country.
Why waste habits are important
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face significant challenges in the area of solid waste management, especially when it comes to separating waste at source and ensuring that materials are used and recycled instead of ending up in landfills.
In order for the campaign to be focused on the everyday experiences of citizens, CETAP started the process by listening to the situation on the ground. An initial, nationwide baseline survey of public awareness provided insight into the reasons people separate or do not separate waste. Changing behavior depends on three key elements: ability, opportunity and motivation. The research analyzed each of these elements in cities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. In all environments, motivation achieved the highest result – which indicates that people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina want to improve the way in which waste is handled.
The campaign’s message is simple, yet powerful – small changes in daily habits can have a big impact, especially when people have access to opportunities and knowledge to participate more in recycling.
Meet the Eco Guardians
To bring this message to life, the campaign introduced Eco Guardians – a group of friendly, educational heroes designed to engage audiences of all ages.
When waste ends up in the wrong place, nature loses its power. That’s when the Eco Guardians come on the scene. Each of the characters represents a particular waste stream and shows how proper separation gives materials new life.
- Kartonko , the hero of paper and cardboard, reminds us that every box deserves a new opportunity, by turning something old into something new.
- Flaško , the hero of glass, demonstrates the power of infinite regeneration of glass, protecting resources through proper waste separation.
- Plasta , the plastic hero, warns of the dangers of irresponsible plastic disposal and shows how recycling can prevent pollution.
- Bananko , the hero of biowaste, teaches us how food scraps can become compost, new energy, and fertile soil.
Together, they convey a clear message: a banana peel, a glass bottle, a cardboard box and a plastic cup are not trash – but resources.
The campaign will be launched with three public events across the country – in Sarajevo, Brčko and at another upcoming event in Banja Luka.
These events bring together representatives of key sectors and key actors on the project, the Delegation of the European Union, experts in the field of waste management and circular economy, as well as partner organizations – emphasizing that improving waste management is a shared responsibility.
In Sarajevo, Europe House also presented the success of its “Trashformers 2025” campaign, a school competition aimed at educating children about good waste management practices. Leaders of sustainable business also contributed in Brcko, including Tamara Đurić, founder and director of Magbago, an ecological fashion brand.
From awareness to action
During 2026, the campaign will be implemented in stages, guiding citizens and competent institutions, raising their awareness and leading them towards knowledge, changing attitudes and daily practice. Following the January launch, activities include regular articles, newsletters, social media content, media interviews and success story videos.
In the spring, the focus shifts to the learning process and active participation, through community competitions in partnership with the Ekograd organization, encouraging recycling through their Recyclomats, as well as the Trashformers 2026 school competition, realized in cooperation with Europe House, with the aim of engaging young people.