Skopje, 29 May 2025 (MIA) – The potential of the circular economy, waste management as resource, decarbonization and the use of the green energy and the digital tools are essential for building a sustainable future, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Izet Mexhiti, said Thursday addressing the 6th International Conference "The Road to Sustainable Waste Management."

The government, Mexhiti noted, remains firmly committed to establishing a sustainable regional waste management system and to developing a circular economy through sorting, recycling, and reusing secondary raw materials.

“The goal is to significantly reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills and return valuable materials to production,” Mexhiti said.

He stated that sustainable waste management and the circular economy are major challenges amid growing climate change.

“The choices we make now will impact future generations. We have stopped viewing waste as a burden, now we see it as a valuable source. With the right approach, it can generate jobs, and a cleaner environment,” Mexhiti said.

He announced that the construction of the country’s first standardized regional landfill will begin soon, emphasizing that inter-municipal cooperation will be crucial to the process. At the same time, he added, efforts are also underway to clean up illegal landfills, with the ultimate goal of achieving a “litter-free Macedonia.”

Macedonian Solid Waste Association (MaSWA) is organizing the event, where participants May 29-30 will discuss modern waste management principles, share experiences, address challenges and highlight best practices.

As stated during the event, the business sector, government, civil society, and the media are ready to collaborate toward a cleaner Macedonia.

Photo: MIA