In order to strengthen capacities and improve practice in the field of waste management, the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH, in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) project Integrated Waste Management and Prevention of Marine Litter in the Western Balkans – MLP, organized a webinar on the topic “Improving the implementation scheme of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The webinar brought together around 30 participants, including representatives of economic entities, authorized system operators, as well as representatives of entity ministries and inspectorates. This dialogue among key stakeholders focused on improving understanding and implementation of the EPR scheme in line with the new EU requirements, especially the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Through presentations and discussions, participants considered the advantages and challenges of introducing a deposit system in BiH, with the presentation of positive examples and experiences from EU countries.
Special focus was placed on:
- the new EU directive on packaging and packaging waste,
- new goals and challenges in its implementation,
- examples of good practice from the EU and the experience of authorized system operators.
In addition to packaging waste, the lecturers Nikola Doychinov and Joachim Stretz (RWA Group) also covered topics related to the disposal and organization of systems for other waste categories, including textile waste, construction waste and waste from the wood industry.
The webinar once again confirmed the importance of joint action by all relevant stakeholders in order to ensure more efficient waste management and the achievement of European standards in this area.
Main conclusions and next steps
- The need for clear regulation and harmonization of domestic regulations with the EU PPWR Regulation.
- Expansion of the EPR model to additional waste categories – through feasibility studies and identification of potential operators.
- Raising public awareness through targeted campaigns on the environmental and economic benefits of proper waste management.
The webinar marked an important step forward in the joint efforts of regulators, businesses and operators to establish an integrated and sustainable waste management system in line with European standards. Further steps include concrete projects, legal harmonization and capacity building of all involved stakeholders..
The Integrated Waste Management and Prevention of Marine Litter in the Western Balkans – MLP project is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German government in cooperation with the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH.
Organizer: Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH
Partner: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
