Overview:

Waste management in Kosovo continues to pose problems and fall short of meeting European standards. While about 90 to 95 percent of the urban population has a waste collection system, the existing services are of a very low standard due to a lack of adequate facilities and equipment. Kosovo lacks proper waste management for virtually all solid waste types: domestic, industrial, health care, and hazardous. Waste collection, classification, recycling, and treatment systems, as well as infrastructure for municipal waste, are missing or fail to meet even a basic satisfactory level of service. A significant proportion of waste of various categories, but especially domestic waste in rural areas, is deposited at illegal dumpsites or in unauthorized locations. The lack of appropriately constructed and operated hazardous waste facilities present a significant health and environmental threat.

Growing waste generation and lack of proper infrastructure creates opportunities for U.S. companies to provide a variety of waste management and recycling services, including basic waste collection, machinery, and equipment for waste management.

Local governments are responsible for waste management programs, and the Law on Waste regulates waste collection, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, import, export, plans for environmental management, and the rights and obligations of licensed entities in the sector. The Ministry of Economy manages the publicly owned Kosovo Landfill Management Company (KLMC), which is responsible for supervising and managing disposal sites.

In May 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (MMPHI) adopted the new Kosovo Integrated Waste Management Strategy for 2021 – 2030. The strategy addresses current shortfalls and constraints in the waste management sector with the aim to protect public health and reduce environmental impact, while at the same time increasing business and employment opportunities transitioning forward towards a circular economy.

Leading Sub-Sectors:

• Waste collection
• Waste treatment
• Waste disposal
• Recycling equipment and facilities
• E-waste recycling, physical recycling, and chemical recycling
• Legal and consulting services

Opportunities:

• Municipal waste management and recycling
• Industrial waste management and recycling
• Hazardous waste management

Resources:

Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (MMPHI)