Establishment of the Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board (IMWMB)
December marks a major milestone for North Macedonia’s waste management reform and for the municipalities and institutions that have worked tirelessly to build a modern, predictable, and sustainable system. On 10 December, the municipalities of the Pelagonija and Southwest regions, with the support of SALAR International, officially established the Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board (IMWMB), now a fully functional regional governance structure for waste management.
As the implementing partner of Sweden’s long-term support to the sector, SALAR International is proud to have supported this journey, which represents not only a structural improvement, but a deeper shift toward system-based, coordinated, and EU-aligned public service delivery. This effort is part of the broader project “Sustainable Municipal Waste Management”, in which SALAR International plays a central role in planning, coordinating, and guiding systemic improvements in waste management across 18 municipalities in North Macedonia.
From fragmented approaches to stable, systemic governance
The establishment of the IMWMB marks a clear transition away from years of fragmented, ad-hoc solutions. Municipalities are now moving toward a unified regional model with predictable processes, clear mandates, and strengthened inter-institutional coordination.
This new governance structure provides the foundation for consistent and transparent decision-making, more efficient use of resources, improved service quality for citizens, and also long-term environmental sustainability aligned with national legislation and EU directives.
By creating a shared platform for planning, financing, investing, and monitoring, the municipalities have demonstrated strong leadership and a collective commitment to public service improvement.
A new phase for the Regional waste management system (RWMS)
With the IMWMB now formally established and its first Chair elected, the Regional Waste Management System enters its operational phase. The Board will guide the region’s transition toward a predictable, accountable, and service-oriented model by steering planning processes, coordinating infrastructure decisions, addressing non-compliant dumpsites, and ensuring transparency and citizen engagement.
The reform now moves into a strategic phase focused on the new Regional Waste Management Plan 2026–2032, finalizing the regional utility company, strengthening institutional coordination, and advancing infrastructure for sorting, recycling, and compliant disposal, key steps toward a fully functional and modern regional waste system.
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Partnership is the core of progress
Throughout this journey, the commitment of municipal leaders has been exemplary. The unity shown at the constitutive session reflects a shared vision: cleaner communities, better services, and stronger local governance.
This progress is made possible thanks to the long-term support of Sweden through SALAR International, as well as the active engagement of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, the Ministry of Local Self-Government and ZELS as partners in the project in North Macedonia. The reform represents a true partnership between local and national institutions, international partners, and the communities they serve.
Building a system that serves citizens, today and for the future
The establishment of the IMWMB is more than a procedural step. It is a commitment to systemic, sustainable, and forward-looking public service delivery. It is a shift towards predictable governance instead of improvisation and towards shared responsibility instead of isolated efforts.
As this new phase begins, SALAR International remains dedicated to supporting municipalities and institutions in building a waste management system that delivers real, long-lasting benefits: cleaner environments, healthier communities, modern services, and stronger local democracy.