Sustainable Waste Management: A Key Step Toward a Cleaner Future for North Macedonia
In early April, the “Rethinking Waste – Turning Challenges into Sustainable Solutions” conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, brought together experts, policymakers, and international partners to advocate for urgent reforms in the country’s waste management system.
Funded by Sweden and organised by SALAR International through the “Sustainable Municipal Waste Management Services” project, the event highlighted the growing environmental and public health risks that North Macedonia faces, and the urgent reforms that is needed to cope with these challenges. Over 99% of North Macedonia´s waste ends up in landfills, and illegal dumpsites continue to spread. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure, along with outdated practices, is hindering progress and contributing to serious environmental damage.
The Regional Waste Management System (RWMS) offers a long-term, sustainable solution to address these challenges. This model aims to implement waste separation, improve recycling, and establish modern landfills that meet EU environmental standards.
Another key message from the conference was that waste management reforms can only succeed with strong collaboration between municipalities, national institutions, donors, the private sector, and civil society.
Support from the ministries is needed, coordination and communication between local and national level is key", The mayor of Prilep, Mr. Borche Jovcheski stated on the conference.
Collaboration is Key: Municipalities at the Forefront of Waste Management
Municipalities are on the front lines of waste management in North Macedonia, but they face significant financial constraints and limited capacity. To create a truly sustainable system, several steps are necessary, including:
- A reformed tariff system that incentivizes waste reduction and recycling
- Improved access to donor funding and financial incentives tied to results
- Stronger public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and services
Waste management is not the responsibility of a single institution—it requires collaboration at all levels. By aligning policies, securing sustainable financing, and strengthening regulatory oversight, North Macedonia can move from planning to action. Only through coordinated efforts can the country build a cleaner, more sustainable future.