Kosovo waste sorting cabinets

Who provides data on waste collection in Kosovo?

Data on waste collection are based on estimates and are provided by waste management companies and municipalities independently to the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) and the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure.

Does Kosovo have a waste law?

Kosovo reported an increase of over 40 % in total MSW treatment from 2015 to 2019, which can be mainly attributed to an increase in the share of the population connected to waste collection services. In Kosovo, the Law on waste aims to transpose the EU waste legislation, providing a comprehensive framework for the development of waste management.

How many informal waste pickers are there in Kosovo?

Informal waste pickers play an important role in the collection of recyclable waste; it is estimated that around 2 000 individuals could be individually engaged in informal collection throughout Kosovo, but there are no data or official measurements to assess the level of activity.

How much waste is generated in Kosovo?

This fuels a considerable informal economy (CIA, 2021). Municipal waste generation in Kosovo has increased from 319 000 tonnes of waste generated in 2015 to 452 000 tonnes of waste generated in 2019 (Figure 1.1). This corresponds to 178 kg per capita in 2015 and 253 kg per capita in 2019, roughly half of the EU average of 502 kg per capita in 2019.

What percentage of municipal waste is deposited in illegal dumpsites in Kosovo?

KEPA estimates that over 30 000 tonnes of mixed municipal waste, which is about 10 % of the overall amount of municipal waste generated, are deposited in illegal landfills or dumpsites. Supported by GIZ, in 2019, an inventory was made to map and describe the existing illegal dumpsites in Kosovo.

Are there waste incineration plants in Kosovo?

There are no waste incineration plants in Kosovo. Currently, a waste separation and classification plant is being built with government funding in the Mitrovica region, with a capacity of 50 000 tonnes of mixed municipal waste per year. It is expected to start operating late in 2021. This plant will help reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill.