Waste separation at source and recycling, the government sets deadlines for local units

2026-03-04 22:55:16, Aktualitet CNA

Waste separation at source and recycling, the government sets deadlines for

A draft decision issued for consultation by the Ministry of Environment, “On the approval of criteria, procedures and deadlines for the implementation of differentiated waste collection for all waste streams”, sets deadlines and conditions that must be met by local units.

Specifically, the object of the draft decision is to ensure the differentiated collection of waste at source, promote reuse, recycling, prevent the mixing of waste, and protect the environment and human health.

The report accompanying the draft decision highlights that it defines the criteria, procedures and deadlines for the implementation of differentiated waste collection, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, the protection and improvement of environmental quality and the protection of human health, with the aim of reducing the amount of waste that is deposited, increasing the level of recycling and recovery, as well as preventing negative impacts on the environment.

The draft decision defines the criteria for waste collection, the way in which waste is separated by the person who creates it, as well as the differentiated collection implemented by the owners.

Chapter four provides for the deadlines and measures for the differentiated collection of waste to achieve the objectives of local self-government units, at least for the differentiated collection of plastic, wood, non-ferrous metals, aluminum, glass, paper and cardboard, which are mainly related to common municipal waste streams, which are generally non-hazardous and suitable for recycling through standard mechanical processes.

"The minimum deadlines for preparing for reuse and recycling for these streams are set as follows: at least 25% by 2030, 50% by 2033, 55% by 2035, 60% by 2040 and 65% by 2045, enabling the reduction of the amount of waste ending up in landfill and directly contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the circular economy, according to the framework set by Directive 2008/98/EU.

Electrical and electronic equipment as well as battery waste constitute waste streams with a special legal regime, due to the content of potentially hazardous substances and the complexity of their composition, and their approval is made by a special decision of the Council of Ministers.

"These categories require specialized treatment, special collection and processing systems, as well as the implementation of the principle of extended producer responsibility, in accordance with Directive 2012/19/EU and Directive 2006/66/EC," the report states./Monitor.al