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!
CETAP Project: Steering Committee Meeting Held in Sarajevo
The Steering Committee meeting of the CETAP (Circular Economy and Waste Management Project) project was held on March 12, 2025, in Sarajevo, with the aim of discussing the progress and strategic direction of the project. This key event gathered representatives from leading institutions and organizations to discuss the critical aspects of the project and its effective implementation in line with EU standards and the principles of circular economy.
During the meeting, participants thoroughly reviewed the Draft Progress Report covering the period from November 10, 2024, to February 14, 2025. Discussions focused on current challenges, ongoing activities, and next steps to ensure the continued efficient implementation of the project and the achievement of its planned goals. Special attention was given to improving material recovery from waste through separate collection, reuse, and recycling.
The meeting was attended by representatives from key institutions and organizations:
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Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of BiH
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Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska
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Government of Brčko District BiH, Department for Communal Affairs – Sub-department for Capital Investments
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Directorate for European Integration of BiH (observer in the Steering Committee)
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COWI A/S
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Umweltbundesamt – Austrian Environment Agency
The CETAP project remains committed to achieving sustainable solutions in waste management, aiming to enhance existing systems through the integration of innovative approaches to circular economy. During this meeting, the Steering Committee members once again reaffirmed their dedication to creating long-term, sustainable solutions that will have a positive impact on environmental protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We thank all Steering Committee members for their valuable contributions to shaping a more sustainable future for our country.
CETAP Project: First Steering Committee Meeting Held in Sarajevo
The first Steering Committee meeting of the CETAP (Circular Economy and Waste Management Project) was held on November 19, 2024, in Sarajevo. The meeting brought together key institutional representatives to discuss the initial steps and strategic direction of the project.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the Draft Initial Report, addressing key challenges, planned activities, and next steps for project implementation in alignment with EU standards and circular economy principles. The discussions focused on the project’s roadmap for the coming months, ensuring a clear path forward for its successful execution.
Main topics discussed during the meeting included:
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Introductory remarks and project objectives overview
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Presentation of the Draft Initial Report
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Discussion on the project plan for the next three months
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Interactive Q&A session
The CETAP project continues to focus on improving waste management through separate collection, reuse, and recycling, with the ultimate goal of strengthening circular economy practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This project represents a significant step toward enhancing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of waste.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all members of the Steering Committee for their valuable contributions to this crucial process. Together, we are working towards a more sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Project Team Leader in BiH Announced
E Scott Crossett was really delighted to be asked to take up the post of Team Leader on a new technical assistance project in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The project is a European Union funded through the IPA 2020 programme and entitled “Technical assistance for improved materials recovery from waste through separate collection, reuse and recycling based on circular economy principles”
The overall objective of the project action is to further align policies and regulations in area of waste management to achieve better protection of environment and facilitate sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The specific objective of this contract area is to improve recovery of materials from waste through separate collections, reuse and recycling based on the principles of circular economy.
The expected outputs by the project team are:
- Output 1: A comprehensive set of legislation harmonized with the EU Waste Package is developed;
- Output 2: Policy frameworks developed that facilitate the transition towards a circular economy;
- Output 3: Feasible schemes for the collection and treatment of special categories of waste, based on circular economy principles, are defined.
The first mission to BiH was September and the team met with the Project Director Ion Nae Musetoiu from Romania. Ion, who is an expert on extended producer responsibility, s on leave from the Ministry of Environment in Bucharest to undertake this project, the team is looking forward to working with him.
Inception Workshop Kicks Off EU-Funded Project “Technical assistance for improved materials recovery from waste through separate collection, reuse and recycling based on circular economy principles”
In an effort to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina's waste management practices and align them with EU standards, EU-funded project “Technical assistance for improved materials recovery from waste through separate collection, reuse and recycling based on circular economy principles” officially launched on October 28, 2024 in Sarajevo with an Inception Workshop, setting the stage for an ambitious 32-month initiative. The workshop brought together stakeholders from across sectors to discuss the project’s purpose, objectives, and anticipated outcomes in advancing the principles of a circular economy.
The event opened with remarks from an EU Delegation representative Renata Abduzaimović, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and waste reduction for the future development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Project Consortium lead COWI representative Helle Qwist-Hoffmann followed with an introduction to the project, noting the initiative’s role in addressing critical environmental and economic challenges through improved materials recovery.
Project Team Leader Scott Crossett provided an overview of the project’s primary activities, focusing on three key areas: developing a regulatory framework for waste management, implementing pilot actions to improve waste recovery and recycling, and raising public awareness around sustainable waste practices. Each of these components was then explored in greater depth, with the project’s legal, economic, and awareness experts outlining the strategies and expected impacts in their respective areas.
Legal Expert Ionut Musetoiu presented the methodology for regulatory alignment, detailing plans to update Bosnia and Herzegovina’s waste policies to meet EU standards. Following this, the Economic Expert Vedad Suljić highlighted the project's approach to implementing pilot actions, explaining how these initiatives will demonstrate effective waste recovery and recycling strategies within a circular economy model. Rounding out the agenda, the Awareness Raising Expert Lejla Sahačić discussed the project’s public engagement approach, aimed at cultivating a stronger understanding of sustainable waste practices across the country.
The participants of the workshop were representatives of relevant institutions: Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sector for Waste Management at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology (RS), Department for Spatial Planning and Property legal affairs of Brčko District, Chambers of Commerce, utility companies, private companies, and many other institutions and organizations.
The workshop closed with a question-and-answer session that allowed participants to gain further insights into the project’s technical approach and anticipated milestones. Attendees also took advantage of a post-session networking lunch, exchanging ideas and establishing connections that will strengthen collaboration as the project progresses. The inception workshop marked an important milestone in the drive towards a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring the critical role of EU partnerships in this journey toward a more resilient, resource-efficient economy.
