Solid Waste Management in Kosovo

U Berlin Assessment of a Waste Bank Model T in Dardania, Pristina

ISBN 978-3-981279-6-1

Edition Berlin, 2017 Pristina Dardania, Model in Bank a Waste of Assessment Management Kosovo in Waste Solid Partners Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Assessment of a Waste Bank Model

Editors in Dardania, Pristina

Dr.-Ing. Umut Kienast-Duyar Dipl.-Ing., Dipl.-Hydrol. Nathalie Korf Dipl.-Ing. Oliver Larsen

Authors Proofreading

David Šimek Mary Stewart

Tarek Alkhateeb Layout Weng Ian (Anna) Au Report on the Results of a Nathalie Bekdache Fanny Harder Case Study Research Project (2016) Antonia Burchard-Levine Bruno Dias Lanas Print Urban Management Program Mariana Enriquez Portillo Berlin University of Technology Gabriela Issa ZeitDruck GmbH, Berlin Swapnil Kangankar in Collaboration with Rucha Kelkar Edition Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Amar Kulkarni University of Pristina Naomi Milstein Berlin, February 2017 Municipality of Pristina María Rosa Muñoz Barriga Lea Nassif El Ksayer Alokananda Nath Galuh Ainur Rohmah Jorge Mariano Rossi Mozhdeh Saeidkhani Angela Sanchez Zambrano Samuel Dordowa Benya Senesie Sharmila Shrestha Huiwen Tang Rafael Valladares Rodas Anna Marie Walter

ISBN 978-3-981279-6-1 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Preface

Preface

Since the declaration of independence in 2008, management services in an effective and citizen- Twenty-three students of the Urban Management as well as further development of the Solid Waste Kosovo faces challenges of a land-locked country centred way based on a coherent legal framework Program and ten students from the University of Management concept. with limited economic growth opportunities and a that complies with EU standards. GIZ is piloting sepa- Pristina combined expertise from different profe- lack of full recognition in the international political ration-at-source of recyclable materials in a densely ssional backgrounds such as economy, geography, We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all domain. European integration and the transforma- built and central neighbourhood of the capital biology, public health, architecture, urban planning, people who have supported this project. We would tion into a market-oriented economy determine the Pristina through a waste bank model, which involves business and public administration, international especially like to thank Mr. Kai Hofmann, Program political and economic agenda in the country and both informal waste collectors and the private sector. relations and development studies. Moreover, the Manager of Sustainable Municipal Services (SMS) at have a direct impact on urbanization and service The pilot project intends to provide an economically Urban Management Program students contributed GIZ in Kosovo, who initiated and supported this very delivery. The privatization process and restructuring efficient and environmentally sound waste manage- their cultural diversity and practical experience fruitful cooperation. For their tireless support and of the public sector demand a system change with ment system, which demonstrates the complexity of collected in public and private sector organisa- great collaboration, we also want to thank his team: particular requirements for the institutions and indi- participatory and decentralized local governance. It tions of their respective home countries (Argentina, Abetare Gashi, Atdhetare Kelmendi, David Simek, vidual actors. is linked to institutional, societal, and economic tran- Austria, Brazil, Canada, the People’s Republic Drita Binaj, Driton Vatovci, Rudina Qerimi, Shkelqim sition and integrates service delivery and develop- of China, Columbia, Ecuador, Honduras, India, Daci, Valdete Alija, and Vjollca Limani-Xhemaj. As a consequence of decentralization and the ment targets. Indonesia, Iran, the Lebanon, Mexico, Nepal, Sierra rearrangement of mandates and responsibilities Leone, Syria, and the USA). Thanks to their profes- Many thanks to all the local partners, including the between the central government and local authori- GIZ has engaged the Urban Management Program sional and cultural background, they were able to Municipality of Pristina, Municipality of Gjilan, KEPA ties, the latter are overburdened with develop- and the Chair of Circular Economy and Recycling understand and adapt to a new context in a very (Kosovo Environment Protection Agency), KLMC mental tasks. While local government structures Technology at the Technische Universität Berlin short period of time. (Kosovo Landfill Management Company), the public are struggling to effectively deliver basic services to review the concept and to develop a scaling- waste collection service Pastrimi, the private recy- in urban areas, they are expected to strengthen the up strategy prior to the implementation of the Their work focused on public budget implications, cling companies Neptun, Riciklimi, and Izolimi Plast, local economy, fight poverty, and promote demo- proposed model. waste data collection and management systems, the Green Art Center Pristina and ECMI (the European cracy at the same time. social and economic impacts of solid waste manage- Centre for Minority Issues), who have all dedicated The collaboration between GIZ and the Urban ment models, awareness creation, design beautifica- their time to the project. Despite restrictive visa regulations by the European Management Program of TU Berlin builds on the tion and scaling-up of the waste bank model, all of Union, there is a high rate of migration to Western technical expertise and different perspectives which have been compiled in this publication. It is We also wish to express our gratitude to all the local Europe, especially by Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian provided by academics with a wide range of profes- introduced by brief summaries of Kosovo’s develop- residents and businesses in the Dardania neigh- (RAE) communities. The main reason for this out- sional background. In return, GIZ provides the young ment since gaining independence; the legal frame- bourhood, RAE communities working in the recy- migration is poverty and the lack of opportunities for urban management professionals with real-life cases work of the waste management sector; and the cling sector in Pristina and Fushë Kosova for their socio-economic integration. of project design, implementation, and manage- intervention areas of the SMS program. The main readiness to share information and their views. This ment in urban areas. Since 2003 this collaboration part provides more detailed insights into specific allowed us to gain deeper insight into the topic. There is a skills gap in the labour market, which has always been very productive, exciting, and stim- areas of research, such as the role of the informal requires urgent job creation measures for low-skilled ulating for all participants. sector in the recycling chain; organizational struc- A very special thanks goes to the all the students of workers in the short term and the provision of quality tures and the municipal budget; economic impacts the Urban Management Program and the University education in the long term. At the same time, Kosovo In 2016, students of the master program had the of the Dardania waste bank project; implications for of Pristina for their great commitment to this project faces serious environmental challenges, in particular opportunity to collaborate with GIZ Kosovo and the the livelihood of the informal sector; the collection, and this stimulating product. issues concerning waste and land management, University of Pristina. They worked closely with their monitoring, and reporting of waste data; awareness which have negative impacts on public health. peers from Kosovo and engaged with national and raising; as well as design, beautification, and scaling- local authorities, civil society organizations, and the up. The Sustainable Municipal Services (SMS) program communities in Dardania/Pristina, Gjilan, and Fushë Each chapter includes an analysis of the existing situ- Dr.-Ing. Umut Kienast-Duyar of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) Kosova including Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian (RAE) ation, an assessment of the waste bank model and Dipl.-Ing., Dipl.-Hydrol. Nathalie Korf supports local authorities in providing solid waste minority groups. recommendations for monitoring and evaluation Dipl.-Ing. Oliver Larsen

4 5 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Foreword

Foreword

Kosovo’s eight years of independence have been services engaging the private and informal sector. politically, economically and socially challenging. It The latter predominantly consist of often marginal- is a long way from a war-torn area to a functioning ized Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian minority groups. country on the path to the European Union. Kosovo The complexity of the project has put ambiguity on works hard on this objective and has recently signed the project’s general viability. To review the project the EU Stabilization Association Agreement. concept and developing the scaling-up approach, GIZ has engaged TU Berlin to conduct a research. However, with rapid development come new chal- The research focuses on public budget implication, lenges, especially at local level. Kosovo’s munici- waste data collection, social and economic impacts, palities face great challenges in providing services. awareness creation, design beautification and They are required to fight poverty, strengthen local scaling up. economy, promote democracy, improve infrastructure, and provide water, electricity, waste and health GIZ recognizes the professional and vital contri- services. butions of its partners in this endeavor; especially I would like to thank Pristina’s Public Utilities In regard to waste management the legal frame- Directorate. I am also grateful to the professors of TU work is of upmost importance. The Ministry of Berlin for their invaluable expertise and organization. Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) leads this Next, I would like to acknowledge Pristina University development. It has amended the Waste Law (No. and its students to provide us with vital intercultural 2012/04-L-060) and drafted several policies guided and language translation support. Last but not least, by the objective to implement the waste hierarchy: I would like to thank the Urban Management Master reduce, reuse and recycle. Municipalities have students for their research. Not only they have also done their job and have drafted Local Waste provided in-depth and valuable insights that are still Management plans and installed waste manage- changing the project, but with their enthusiasm and ment units. dedication they have made this research fun.

Pristina, Kosovo’s capital with roughly 300,000 inhabitants, is the administrative, economic and cultural center of the country. Its Mayor Shpend Ahmeti, known for its harsh criticism on the government, has embraced an ambitious agenda to clean-up the city. Notwithstanding numerous challenges he is Cover now setting the foundation for a sustainable devel- Solid Waste Management opment of the capital’s waste sector, supported in Kosovo by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Photos: Rucha Kelkar, Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Kai Hofmann Lea Nassif El Ksayer, Government. Program Manager Galuh Rohmah, Sustainable Municipal Services, Kosovo Anna Marie Walter Part of this agenda is a separate waste collection Left Page pilot project in the Dardania neighbourhood. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant objective is to develop a replicable scheme to better Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Photo: Anna Marie Walter

6 7 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface 4

Foreword 7 8 Waste Data: Collection, Monitoring, and Reporting 81 System List of Abbreviations 10

9 Awareness Raising 95 Part I: INTRODUCTION 10 Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification, and 105 1 Kosovo’s Development since Gaining Independence 15 Scaling-up

11 Waste Management in Gjilan 117 2 Legal Regulation of the Waste Management Sector 21

ANNEX 3 Intervention Areas of the SMS Program 25 References 123

Lists of Figures and Tables 129 4 The Role of the Informal Sector in the Recycling Chain 29 Interviews and Questionnaires 133

Personal Profiles 138

Part II: Analysing an existing system – waste management in Kosovo

5 Organizational Structure and Public Budget 35

6 Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project 51

7 Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector 69 of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neigborhood in Pristina

8 9 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo

List of Abbreviations

BMZ Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) ECMI European Centre for Minority Issues EC European Commission EU European Union CD Capacity Development CER Clean Environment Race FWS Formal Waste Sector GAC Green Art Center Pristina GDP Gross Domestic Product GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Development Cooperation through GIZ) HDPE High Density Polyethylene ISWM Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Framework IWS Informal Waste Sector KEPA Kosovo Environment Protection Agency KfW Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (German Development Bank) KLMC Kosovo Landfill Management Company LDPE Low Density Polyethylene MESP Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning MSW Municipal Solid Waste NGO Non-governmental organisation PET Polyethylene Terephthalate PPP Public-Private-Partnership PVC Polyvinyl Chloride RAE Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian SAA Stabilization and Association Agreement SE Social Enterprise SMS Sustainable Municipal Services SWM Solid waste management USD United States Dollar WB World Bank

Right Page Dardania Neighbourhood Photo: Rucha Kelkar

10 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo

Part I: Introduction

12 Kosovo’s Development since Gaining Independence

1 Kosovo’s Development since Gaining Independence

Author Positioned in the Western Balkans, Kosovo is a David Šimek landlocked territory bordering Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, the latter two providing access to the Adriatic Sea. The Republic of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and is presently recognized by 109 UN member countries (out of 193). Kosovo’s disputed territory (10,908 km2) is comparable in size to Lebanon or Jamaica; its population (1.82 million) is comparable to that of Slovenia or Latvia.1

Besides Serbia, which still considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory,2 there are five countries in the European Union (EU) – Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece – that do not recognize Kosovo as an independent country.3 Kosovo’s non-membership of the UN also remains a key obstacle to political integration and socio-economic development (2/3 of member states in favor are required).

1 The diaspora of Kosovar Albanians – mainly in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, Britain and the United States – is estimated to amount to an additional half a million people. 2 Kosovo – in medieval times part of Stara Srbija (Old Serbia) – is called the cradle of Serbian civilization because of an important battle with the Last Pages Ottoman Empire that took place on Kosovo territory in 1389 (Battle of Plastic Waste Kosovo). Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer 3 One of the main reasons for continuing non-recognition is the presence of a sizeable ethnic minority (or minorities) in the country. See, for Left Page instance: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/romania-continues- Pristina Skyline not-to-recognize-kosovo-10-28-2015 (last accessed 12 August 2016). Photo: Rucha Kelkar

15 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Kosovo’s Development since Gaining Independence

These challenges notwithstanding, the Kosovo cant fiscal risks. Nevertheless, Kosovo was also one of It is not only foreign direct investments that should with the entire waste sector in Kosovo – including authorities have demonstrated the capacity to coor- only four countries in Europe that recorded positive be more effectively channeled to productive sectors, recycling – in a single paragraph: dinate their European integration agenda. Kosovo is a growth rates in every year of the post-crisis period, but also remittances. At present, more than 90% of potential candidate for EU membership (and, interest- with an average of 3.4% between 2009 and 2013. (WB, remittances are being used for basic consumption, “On waste management, the Ministry of Environment ingly, the only country in Europe that does not share a 2016: 2) such as food, clothing, housing, durable goods, and Spatial Planning should step up efforts to finalise border with an EU state). education and healthcare services (UNDP, 2012: 17). a master plan for waste management and increase Some progress has been made on facilitating business A steady influx of remittances not only negatively opportunities for investment in this sector. Basic At the same time, however, Kosovo is also the only creation, but Kosovo also needs to speed up priva- affects the labor supply, but also the savings (and waste management definitions and concepts such country in south-eastern Europe whose citizens are tization and the restructuring of public enterprises even investment) behavior of individual house- as recycling and recovery of different waste streams not able to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area which are – not only in the solid waste sector, but also holds and improvements are required in order to are not sufficiently supported by current legislation, (26 European states without internal border control). in the transport, energy and waste/water sectors – increase Kosovo’s long-term growth and competi- limiting opportunities for private sector involve- In the framework of ongoing talks with the European operating inefficiently (party as a result of their “over- tiveness. Although, on a macro level, the spill-over ment. Both investment funding and the capacity of Commission (EC) about visa liberalization, the EC staffing policy”) and therefore need to be subsidized. effect from the Eurozone crisis has been less severe municipalities and operators to implement the 2012 proposed visa-free travel for the people of Kosovo on Although some improvements have been carried out than in neighboring countries (see previous page), law on waste remain very low. The high number of 4 May 2016. The Council of the EU and the European with regard to the functioning of the legal system the poverty line of 80% (following the World Bank illegal landfills needs to be addressed urgently.” (EC, Parliament have yet to take a decision on the matter. and financial sector stability, a very weak institutional threshold of $5/person/day) or 30% (following the 2015: 49) capacity for legal enforcement combined with wide- $1.72 threshold of the Kosovo Agency of Statistics) of In accordance with the EU pre-accession nego- spread corruption continues to hinder the business its population of 1.82 million seems to remain rather Although relatively little attention is paid to these tiation process,4 the EU signed a Stabilization and environment. stable (WB, 2016: 4). issues by either national or international actors, Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo on 27 Kosovo is facing very serious environmental chal- October 2015. This step constitutes a significant mile- Reliance on remittances and the widespread informal In order to close the skills gap in the labor market, lenges in a broad sense, particularly where waste stone in Kosovo’s path towards a European future as economy decrease employment incentives and Kosovo needs to make significant progress in and land management are concerned. The situation it is the first contractual relationship between the EU contribute to already low labor market participa- improving the quality of education. Education is is markedly difficult in urban areas due to changes in and Kosovo5 and completes the map of SAAs with all tion (especially among women) and high unemploy- one of the four priority areas of the Strategy for the demographics and the pressure of migration from Western Balkan countries. The SAA provides a compre- ment rates (in particular among young and unskilled Inclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities rural areas. This is reflected in unplanned construc- hensive framework for closer political dialogue and workers). Total labor market participation was 41.6% 2016-2020 that is currently being drafted.6 The tion, a poorly managed urban environment and inef- economic relations between Kosovo and the EU, in 2014; for women, the figure was even lower at 21%. problem is not only limited access to education ficient public services, such as waste collection and including opening EU markets to Kosovo products. Between 2013 and 2014, the youth unemployment and high drop-out rates, but also a lack of employ- waste and wastewater treatment. Pollution from rate rose from 30% to 35.5% and the figure recently ment opportunities for (high school) graduates of power plants (98% of electricity comes from two In recent years, Kosovo has made limited progress on surpassed 60%. This is partly due to the fact that Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) origin. Internship 27- and 40-year-old lignite-fired power plants7) and its path to become a functioning market economy. Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe, with opportunities in the public and private sectors would mining activities are adding to an already difficult Although a persistent trade deficit reflects a weak 53% of the population being under 25 years of age. improve their unfavorable position in the job market. situation and pose a serious threat to the health of production base and lack of international competi- (EC, 2015: 5, 44). This would also help achieve the stated target of the citizens.8 tiveness, the government’s strategic documents show Law on the Civil Service in the Republic of Kosovo by a strengthened commitment to pursuing economic Although remittances (12.6% of GDP in 2014) tradi- which 10% of all positions in the public sector (on reforms. This should be translated into determined tionally offset Kosovo’s high trade deficit (31.6% of the national level) should be filled by members of policy implementation and an avoidance of ad hoc GDP in 2014) (EC, 2015: 32), by being a continuous and minorities. decision making in economic policy. In addition, an rather stable source of income they create incentives 7 See World Bank Group Support to Kosovo’s Energy Sector (available at http://siteresources.worldbank.org/KOSOVOEXTN/ ad hoc approach to fiscal policy constitutes signifi- for recipients to remain outside the labor market. In the light of the above-mentioned challenges, it Resources/297769-1329940905064/kosovo_slideshow.pdf, last accessed In Kosovo, the share of households receiving remit- is less than surprising that in its Kosovo 2015 Report 12 August 2016) tances is higher among female-headed households (a document of close to 70 pages published in 4 The process started with the European Commission Feasibility Study of 8 Among other things, Kosovo needs to prepare more actively to decom- (31% compared to 24% of male-headed households). November 2015) the European Commission deals 2012, which found no legal obstacles to prevent the EU from opening mission the Kosovo A power plant in Obilić (currently expected by (UNDP, 2012: 33) Therefore, it is not only persistent negotiations. 2017) and replace it with a new thermal power plant. Also see Study for 5 Kosovo joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World violence against women and women’s limited access 6 For more on this issue see Contribution to the Progress Review of the Decommissioning of Kosovo-A Power Plant (available at https://eeas. Bank Group relatively soon after declaring independence (mid-2009). to property ownership which hamper the full exercise Action Plan of the Strategy for the Integration of Roma, Ashkali and europa.eu/delegations/kosovo/documents/press_corner/decommis- Membership of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development of their rights, but also their, to some extent voluntary, Egyptian Communities in Kosovo, 2009–2015, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, sioning_study_kosovo_a_power_plant_en.pdf, last accessed 12 August (EBRD) followed three and a half years later. exclusion from the labor market. September 2012. 2016)

16 17 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Kosovo’s Development since Gaining Independence

The lack of interest in the environment and climate change has become a serious issue for public health and the quality of life in Kosovo.

In many countries, the financial resources for implementing policy reforms are scarce. Environmental policy is only one of many state sectoral policies and is usually a low priority within the overall policy agenda of developing countries. As the experience of new EU member states shows, one of the biggest challenges of compliance lies in the implementation of the environmental acquis, especially for key EU investment heavy directives. Environmental investment is often investment in infrastructure, which proves very costly. It is assumed that the infrastructure should serve for at least two generations, with the environmental benefits also serving future generations.

Compliance with the EU environmental acquis is also relevant for the private sector and industry, because they will have to face strict environmental regulations in the future.

In 2014, Kosovo’s political agenda was dominated by local and general elections and their aftermath. The new political representation failed to constitute the new legislature in a smooth and timely manner, which caused political deadlock for about six months. The new coalition government that was formed by the two major (Albanian) political parties (but also including representatives of the Serb and Turk minorities) needs to launch a range of comprehensive reforms, in particular electoral reform and public administration reform. Kosovo citizens expect to have access to free media and to be assured that they will not face discrimination on grounds of faith or ethnicity. To succeed, Kosovo needs a government which is not only reform oriented, but which will also support the dialogue with Serbia and the implementation of the agreements reached to date, not only for the sake of Kosovo and Serbia, but for the sake of the whole Western Balkans region.

Right Page Working Atmosphere Photo: Rucha Kelkar

18 19 Legal Regulation of the Waste Management Sector

2 Legal Regulation of the Waste Management Sector

Author The Law on Waste No. 04-L060 of 2012 (henceforth David Šimek “waste law”) is the legal act that stipulates the overall rules and establishes the legal basis for the adop- tion of secondary legislation for waste management, mainly adopted by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP).

The objectives that the waste law sets out with regard to 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) are very ambitious ones. There is a clear indication that the government of Kosovo is aware of the economic benefits and savings potential for the state budget that are to be gained through the development of the recycling sector.

Article 31, par. 1, states that waste, where possible, should be recycled with the aim of using it as a source of secondary materials. Article 31, par. 5, states that waste that can be reused and processed cannot be incinerated or disposed of without the permission of the Ministry (i.e. the MESP), except where there is an economic justification and no risk to human health and the environment. Article 34, par. 7, states that it is the responsibility of the municipalities to regulate the collection system, including separation, processing and recycling. Article 33, par. 6, states that households and other municipal waste producers are obliged to separate their waste according to types defined by the competent authority for the purpose of treating and recycling it. Left Page IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant Photo: Anna Marie Walter

21 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Legal Regulation of the Waste Management Sector

Articles 9 and 10 of the waste law set out the roles waste law and administrative instructions are to Private and public waste collection companies also and objectives of the waste management plans some extent in line with the EU acquis and facilitate face operational problems resulting from an insuf- and strategies. The two documents are designed to some of the conditions that influence recycling and ficient infrastructure. A substantial increase in the provide a direction for waste management in Kosovo proper waste management, there is a clear lack of overall funding of environment related projects is that is in line with European standards and best prac- implementation (partly due to inefficient enforce- needed, both from government and international tices. Article 10, par. 6.10, for example, states that the ment of the legislation by government institutions). financial institution sources, specifically for infra- plan should include proposals of appropriate tech- Besides the two main legislative documents on the structure improvements related to the waste (and niques for reuse and recycling of various compo- waste sector mentioned earlier – the waste law and also wastewater) sectors. nents of municipal waste. Par. 6.13 of the same the waste strategy – the Kosovo Waste Management Article states that the plan should include programs Plan for the period 2013 – 2017 sets outs the concrete In the light of the above-mentioned challenges, it for raising public awareness and providing educa- activities to be carried out. is not surprising that there is a lack both of effec- tion regarding waste management. tive mechanisms for encouraging waste separation However, at municipal level the local pubic admin- and projects for waste recycling. In accordance with Similarly to the waste law, the Strategy on Waste istrations in Kosovo need to overcome numerous the waste law, Kosovar municipalities are obliged to Management 2013-2022 also sets out ambitious challenges in relation to establishing a proper waste develop appropriate measures for waste minimiza- objectives. Although municipal waste collection collection, transportation and disposal system. tion and recycling. However, there is a lack of support is expected to increase between 2010 and 2020 by According to Article 15, par. 1 of the waste law, munic- and incentives – mainly financial ones – for them to between 50% and 90%, it states that the amount of ipalities are responsible for the establishment of a reuse the materials or recycle. The concepts of waste waste used for landfill should be cut from 90% to waste management system as well as for the devel- reduction, reuse and recycling are still to be intro- 60%. Achieving this goal would require an increase opment and implementation of local waste manage- duced among the public and institutions in Kosovo. in the amount of separated municipal waste from 0% ment plans (that should be in accordance with the As a result, a very low number of municipalities have to 50%, accompanied by an increase in the amount national level plan). In addition, the new waste law approved municipal regulations on waste manage- of treated waste from 10% to 40% (Strategy, 2013: assigned the municipalities diverse tasks, including ment that contain provisions related to recycling. 38). the registration and elimination of contaminated areas (e.g. through illegal waste tip sites) and the These targets should be taken with a grain of salt general cleaning up of residential areas. since there is no complete and reliable baseline data for the amounts of waste being generated, collected The new and far-reaching responsibilities assigned and treated. With regard to waste generated, the to local governments by the waste law coincide with Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) – the financial constraints facing the municipalities in the government agency responsible for the manage- connection with pending fiscal decentralization. The ment of databases and environmental information general revenue sources of municipalities include systems – estimates that it keeps track of about 60% immovable property tax as well as an array of munic- of solid waste generated. (A particularly problematic ipal fees (business license fees, motor vehicle fees, issue is that construction waste is often mixed with municipal administrative fees, fees for construction municipal waste and dumped on agricultural land and demolition of buildings and some other minor and in rivers.)1 ones).2 However, considering the financial situation of municipalities in general, it is considered that Overall, national legislation that would be in full none has so far reported an operational surplus. compliance with EU directives on waste recycling Neither water, sewage nor waste fees currently cover is still incomplete. The MESP as the responsible the operating and maintenance costs of the related Ministry until now has adopted only one law in environmental infrastructure. respect of this and issued few administrative instructions to the waste recycling sector. Even though the

1 For more on this issue see The State of Waste and Chemicals Report, MESP 2 See Law No. 03/L-49 (2008) on Local Government Finance. and KEPA, Pristina 2013.

22 23 Intervention Areas of the SMS Program

3 Intervention Areas of the SMS Program

Author In its current phase (04/2014 - 12/2016), the David Šimek Sustainable Municipal Services (SMS) program of the German Development Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ) in Kosovo has the potential to provide in the medium term basic public services in the waste management sector for 70% of the population. Such an achievement would be to a large extent dependent on the success and development of an incentive-based competition in 17 selected municipalities (out of a total of 38 ), which was set up by the MESP in cooperation with the German Development Bank (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau – KfW). Responsible municipal bodies get access to investments provided that they implement reforms for performance development and make improvements in selected performance indicators. The latter aims at a financially sustainable expansion of services.

In the long term, the population of Kosovo will profit through the preparation and dissemination of experiences and models of the initial five core partner municipalities (Drenas/Glogovac, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mitrovicë e Jugut/Južna Kosovska Mitrovica, Pejë/ Peć, Prishtinë/Priština). Political decision makers and local administration officers in the five municipalities are the immediate addressees of the development measures. Also, the employees of relevant institutions at the national level, such as the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency (KEPA), the Kosovo Left Page Institute for Public Administration (KIPA), the Civil Dardania Neighbourhood Society Association Kosovo (CiviKos) are being Photo: Rucha Kelkar

25 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Intervention Areas of the SMS Program

advised by the SMS program and further educated labor in the recycling industry – in particular, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),4 landfill to take on and disseminate experiences and models. RAE communities – the program aims to contribute taxes, packaging services and an environmental towards combating the causes of migration and fund will facilitate the development of basic prin- Furthermore, with the support of two develop- flight from Kosovo. Although Kosovar citizens do not ciples for material recycling management (the so ment partnerships with the private sector, the SMS qualify for refugee status (this would be a hurdle in called “circular economy”). These measures need to program has piloted the separation of household Kosovo’s EU integration efforts), Kosovo is the third be accompanied by additional policy instruments waste with the inclusion of the informal sector in two most frequent country of origin for people applying such as environmental awareness and education. municipalities (Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prishtinë/Priština). for asylum in Germany.2 Its citizens no longer leave to In cooperation with the private sector and/or civil The aim is to demonstrate the financial and orga- escape war, but rather unemployment and poverty. society, the SMS program is making use of corporate nizational feasibility of a separation system in the social responsibility (CSR), such as the “Ecofriend” Kosovar context and to collect essential data for a Especially among RAE communities, the economic or “Pristina Recycles” projects; in both, revenues future nationwide separation system. Because no situation has deteriorated over past years due to from separated waste are channeled into awareness municipality in Kosovo has implemented a compre- the fall in the price of oil. Since their only source of raising projects in schools. hensive system for separate collection of recyclables, income (besides social benefits) is individual collec- awareness information and education campaigns for tion of recyclable plastic materials (naphtha can the collection of separated waste are integral parts make over 50% of production costs),3 they would of SMS program interventions. greatly benefit from the development of the recycling infrastructure, including an improved collec- Although the ethnic majority in Kosovo are Albanians tion system. It is estimated that out of the 60,000 (92.9%, according to a 2011 census), the societal tonnes that the capital Prishtinë/Priština generates structure in Kosovo is marked by the existence of annually, 30% is recyclable materials. minorities. Among the most marginalized minority groups are the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian commu- The creation of incentives for foreign direct invest- nities (2.1%, 2011 census) which are often excluded ment and technology transfer - such as technical from basic areas of care such as health, education and cost-benefit analysis or demonstration proj- and housing, and also employment. The Romas in ects in the separation and recycling industry – particular are engaged in the informal collection could increase trust and lower the risk for investors of waste containing reusable material which they financing projects. The recently conducted gas- recycle to earn a living. Structural improvements in to-electricity analysis, pilot projects for separation waste management affect their income manage- at source in Gjilan/Gnjilane and Prishtinë/Priština ment.1 (financed by private investors) and the planned use of Drenas’ transfer station for material recovery are Therefore, the objectives of the SMS program examples of initiatives that could trigger trust in the – based on the guidelines and priorities of the dependability of the policy approach. German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für SMS program activities such as providing advice wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung on legislation and related institution building for – BMZ) and the interim country strategy of Kosovo – go beyond assuring the sustainable provision of municipal services in the waste sector. Through the creation of job opportunities for low-skilled 2 For current asylum affairs statistics see the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees at http://www.bamf.de/DE/Infothek/Statistiken/ 4 The rationale of an EPR is to shift the responsibility and hence the costs 1 The Serb minority (1.5% of the total population, 2011 census) are Asylzahlen/asylzahlen-node.html of a good’s disposal from the producer of the good to the distributor. predominately concentrated in certain municipalities where they make 3 Glass has lower value because of energy-intensive processing (USAID up a majority. The politically tense situation hinders the complete inte- support in northern Kosovo). Paper collection is in the hands of the In effect, an EPR demands that the producer internalize disposal costs gration of these municipalities into the Kosovar state and societal struc- (formal) private sector. into the good’s market price, usually in the range of below €0.001 per tures. product.

26 27 The Role of the Informal Sector in the Recycling Chain

4 The Role of the Informal Sector in the Recycling Chain

Author In most developing countries, including Kosovo, the David Šimek formal sector primarily works in service provision (waste collection and disposal) and in the treatment and sale of recyclables. To a limited extent formal companies also collect recyclables (in Kosovo these are predominantly private companies), primarily from institutions and businesses. Generally speaking, formal waste collection service providers involved in recovery provide a more regular and reliable collection service than their informal counterparts (due to their economic interest in waste). But as the case of Kosovo shows, the collection of recyclables is largely the domain of the informal waste sector (IWS).

In principal, similar effects could be achieved by engaging the IWS in the provision of basic waste collection services, though it needs to be pointed out that this option is usually a very long and burdensome process (compared to the other option). However, in either case, the elimination of boundaries between the formal and informal sectors would not only improve service provision but also have a positive effect on the informal sector, whose members tend to make up the most vulnerable part of society.

In Kosovo, the IWS is greatly dominated by members of the RAE communities. However, (exact) statis- tical data is missing (as is the case in many countries Left Page around the world with regard to informal sector Child Waste Picker of Roma activity). Minority in Dardania Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer

29 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo The Role of the Informal Sector in the Recycling Chain

The protection of persons with disabilities and policy of banning the informal sector from landfill The SMS program is cooperating with the private persons belonging to minorities, in particular within areas. In order to safeguard sources of income, the sector in the pilot project in Prishtinë/Priština- communities, needs to be significantly strength- SMS program facilitates the introduction of separa- Dardania, where the selected service provider for ened. The SMS program makes every effort to tion at source. meaning that fewer recyclable mate- the collection of recyclable materials will under- analyse the impacts of its pilot projects and activi- rials end up in landfills. This is done by: take investment in the recycling infrastructure and ties in these groups on the basis of different develop- employ additional local staff (mainly from margin- ment scenarios (eg. within the framework of Do No Approaching those waste pickers affected and alized RAE groups), either as full-time or part-time Harm analyses), taking into account various internal ensuring their integration into the recyclable collec- employees or on a contractual basis. Due to low and external factors. tion system by making recyclables accessible before entry barriers and the labor intensive nature of the waste collection or by creating sorting facilities sector, jobs with long-term prospects are relatively As mentioned in the previous chapter, in its current before the waste is dumped at the landfill. easily created. phase the SMS program is operating two pilot projects in two Kosovar cities – Gjilan/Gnjilane and Reducing the transaction costs of the IWS. This As a starting point, the SMS program strives to Prishtinë/Priština – that target the reduction of could include material provision of 1) Transportation ensure that physical investments are sufficiently poverty in marginalized groups. In cooperation with means; 2) Storage capacities (collection points); legally secured and that a communication channel the NGO European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) 3)Tools & equipment. between all parties – the formal waste sector (FWS) Kosovo, they provide informal waste collectors with and the IWS – has been set up and maintained. better access not only to infrastructure but also Working with KLMC towards the possibility of to training (especially in health and work security employing qualified waste pickers in the official In the future, competition / cooperation will be issues) and to a savings and credit program. Also, chain at landfills and transfer stations. open based on the lessons learned and experience based on data and evidence collected from the pilot garnered from the pilot project in the Dardania area projects, the SMS follow-up project (during the next The SMS pilot projects dealing with the IWS should of Prishtinë/Priština (and will be reflected in future program phase, 2017 – 2020) will be designed with a contribute towards the institution of the IWS as tender requirements). view to improving the socio-economic status of the a partner in the solid waste management (SWM) marginalized groups. sector as well as an official recognition of their activi- All actors and stakeholders have sufficient infor- ties as business activities. The plan is to provide the mation about the pilot project and scaling-up plans, The two largest ethnic groups in Kosovo are the IWS with training that will allow longer-term devel- so facilitating their long-term interest in remaining Albanians and the Serbs and, all SMS program publi- opment and aid them in starting their own private part of the system. cations intended for the purpose of knowledge waste enterprises. This will provide a diversion from transfer are translated into both languages. Socially crime and corruption activities and participants will The goal of the SMS pilot projects is to reduce the and ethnically respectful enlargement of the SMS pay commercial, income and other types of tax.1 By amount of waste going to landfills, mainly by intro- program is closely monitored to ensure that no part this means, the IWS will also join the social security ducing separation at source measures (Gjilan/ of the population or of the country is left behind or scheme, which will provide a safety net in times of Gnjilane, Prishtinë/Priština). Some projects aim to marginalized. An example of ethnical inclusiveness is low demand for raw materials. extend formal waste services, which in turn puts an the incorporation of a Serbian majority municipality end to illegal dumps and the burning of garbage.

in project activities such as the Clean Environment 1 There is an array of measures beyond the sphere of influence of the SMS Landfill management reform and the conversion Race (CER). program that help to reduce informal (or even underground) business of landfill gas into energy will contribute directly activities that the public (with the support of the civil society) sector to environmental protection and the reduction of Local NGOs working with RAE communities act as needs to undertake, such as: 1. Institutionalize waste pickers as a specific greenhouse gases. Not least, administrative reforms facilitators for the development of more formal orga- category in the list of occupations – i.e. the creation of a nation-wide will also help to achieve more efficient waste services nizational structures in order to reduce the risk of IWS database; 2. Draft and adopt the Law on Social Enterprises (up till now, by strengthening their capacities and thus contri- workers becoming dependent on powerful collabo- the Law on Publicly Owned Enterprises acts as a supplement in Kosovo); buting to environmental and resource protection., rators to earn their income. (In addition, local NGOs 3. Not exclude the IWS from capacity development (CD) programs, The SWM sector – including formalized / authorized may also contribute to the provision of their means regardless of developments in legal status. 4. Devise programs to gradu- IWS – can play a vital role on the way to a green of transport, uniforms and safety gear.) For health ally register / integrate, so people can taper off social assistance as they economy in Kosovo. and security reasons, the SMS program supports start to earn liveable incomes; 4. In order to achieve this, improve not the Kosovo Landfill Management Company (KLMC) only qualitative but also quantitative knowledge of the IWS sector.

30 31 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo

Part II: Analysing an Existing System – Waste Management in Kosovo

32 Organizational Structure and Public Budget

5 Organizational Structure and Public Budget

Authors 5.1 Introduction Swapnil Kangankar Naomi Milstein Solid waste management is one of the core func- Alokananda Nath tions of local governments in urban areas. As cities Angela Maria Sanchez grow physically and economically, business activities and consumption patterns increase the quantity of solid waste generated. This makes it challenging for municipalities to collect, treat and dispose of waste generated by all urban population groups in an environmentally and socially satisfactory manner using the most economical means available (The World Bank, 2016a). The challenge is not only the quantity of waste produced in urban areas but also its hetero- geneity. Municipal waste no longer consists mainly of food waste and ash, but more and more includes plastic packaging, paper, metal, glass and discarded electronic equipment (UN-HABITAT, 2011). Since accumulated waste in densely populated urban areas poses health hazards, collecting and managing it have been the mandate of the health/public health departments within the municipalities (Baud et al., 2006: 4). But due to the increased complexity of the waste composition, the World Bank recom- mends that solid waste units should come out of public health departments, be upgraded to individual departments and be placed directly under the management of engineers trained in systems design Last Pages and operations rationalization (The World Bank, IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant 2016b). Photo: Anna Marie Walter Left Page International organizations such as the World Waste Collectors in Dardania Bank and the United Nations have time and again Photo: Rucha Kelkar

35 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

focused on the institutional and financial aspects of bank / municipal solid waste – possible organi- Waste also has subjective characteristics defined of waste into the environment also have associated managing waste. A range of tools and technologies zation and management structures for munic- by the value of the item the owner associates with. environmental repercussions (Christensen, 2011). already exists for proper management of solid waste. ipal waste in Pristina after the introduction of The European Union defines waste as ‘any substance However, the critical aspect is financing them. In the waste bank. or object which the holder discards or intends or is 5.4 Overview of Waste Management System many lower income countries, municipalities already required to discard’ (European Union, 2012a). Thus spend 20% to 50% of their budgets on solid waste The methods undertaken in order to reach the certain things discarded by one individual have Traditionally, as the economy expands, the mate- management, yet only manage to provide services objectives are: potential value for another. As a result, an under- rial flow in turn expands, resulting in more resource for less than half of their citizens. A related major standing of the value chain of waste is important consumption, waste generation and environmental concern lies in long-term sustainability in the sector, • Secondary literature review – in order to under- in order to plan for waste management. This leads burdens. The quantity and content of the waste which requires greater efforts to reduce, reuse, stand the current situation in Pristina, Kosovo, to improved treatment of discarded materials and produced also depends largely on the kind of recycle and overall avoid waste (The World Bank, and the regulations regarding waste manage- ensures environmental sustainability. economy a country has – developed or developing 2014). Thus, municipal bodies need robust organiza- ment. This also helped in understanding and – and on climatic conditions and geographic loca- tional structures in order to manage waste manage- identifying the actors and institutions, in In order to understand the logistics of waste generation. Depending on the characteristics of waste, ment functions. In addition, a separate budget is Kosovo as well as in Pristina, who are involved in tion, it is important to look into the material flow and management practices vary but the basic flow of necessary for the functioning of administrative units. municipal solid waste management. how elements from the environment move through waste is nevertheless quite similar. Figure 2 (next • Interviews with officials from the municipality society and are used then returned to the environ- page) shows the processes of waste generation, This chapter covers the organizational structure of and the public organizations – the interviews ment in a modified form. In simple terms this means collection and disposal practiced in urban areas. waste management and the public budget of the were conducted during the field visit to Pristina. resource extraction, use and disposal to landfill. Waste generated by households (also commercial municipality of Pristina. It also focuses on the the Discussions were held with municipal officials Figure 1 (Christensen, 2011) shows that resources are establishments and institutions) can be collected waste bank pilot project to be set-up in Dardania. and public organizations (refer to interviews in not entirely consumed but are merely transformed by two methods: 1) door-to-door collection and In addition, it elaborates on the changes to organi- annex). during the processes of extraction from the environ- 2) from communal waste bins/containers. Ideally, zational structures that will follow the introduction • Discussion with GIZ officials working on the ment, production and use before ending up as waste. organic and inorganic waste should be separated of the waste bank and the consequent effect on the project – this was important since GIZ has been This waste could possibly be returned to the produc- at source. There are various ways in which this can public budget for managing waste. The chapter is supporting the Pristina municipality in imple- tion-use cycle in society or disposed of into the envi- be done. Organic waste can then be used directly structured as follows: menting the measures on the ground. They ronment. The material flow is fueled by a substantial for producing biogas. The sorted/collected waste have provided data and insights on organiza- use of energy and results in emissions to air, water can go to storage or separation centers for either • Municipal solid waste and waste flow tional aspects and the public budget of waste and soil. The extraction of resources and the disposal further separation or temporary storage before • General aspects of waste management in management in Pristina. municipalities • Waste management in Pristina 5.3 Municipal Solid Waste and Material Flow • Organizational structures in Pristina • Public budget for waste management The term ‘municipal solid waste’ (which includes waste generated by households and commercial Figure 1: 5.2 Methodology establishments) is used to describe waste generated Schematic Material Flow in in urban areas, the nature of which varies from region Society: The group focused on the following objectives: to region. The characteristics and the amount of waste Showing Extraction of produced in a region depend on the living standards Resources, Production, Use, • Stakeholder analysis – preparation of a stake- and lifestyles of the residents of the region and on the Waste Management and holder analysis indicating the organizations abundance and type of the region’s natural resources Disposal into the Environment involved in overall waste management func- (United Nations Environment Program, 2005). Solid (inspired by Vesilind et al., tions for Pristina municipality. waste is that part of the ‘waste’ that should be or is 2002) • Public costs and finances – current costs anticipated to be in a solid state and not in a liquid or Source: Reprinted with Permission incurred by public organizations managing gaseous state. The simple definition of waste is: from Solid Waste Engineering municipal waste. This includes costs incurred 1E by Vesilind, Worrell and by public bodies once the waste bank has been ‘Waste is a left-over, a redundant product or mate- Reinhart; from Solid Waste introduced. rial of no or marginal value for the owner and which Technology & Management, • Organization and management of the waste the owner wants to discard.’ (Christensen, 2011: 3) Edited by Thomas H. Christensen

36 37 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

5.5.1 Legal Framework of Waste in Kosovo funding sources for the implementation of planned projects In order to reduce the impact of waste on the envi- • Opportunity for cooperation between two or ronment, the land and human health, Kosovo has more municipalities formulated legal frameworks and strategies to manage municipal solid waste more effectively. The It is clear that not all requirements of the new waste government of Kosovo has framed waste law and law can be fulfiled immediately, while future devel- waste strategy at national level. The municipalities opment should be seen as a dynamic process driven are now required to frame solid waste management by the administration and the people, whose active plans in order to implement the laws at the local level participation is indispensable. The citizens of Pristina and decide on the resources required at city level. are as responsible as their local government for the successful realization of necessary improvements. Frameworks at national level: Framework at municipal level:

• Law on Waste (Law No.04/L-060) – approved in • Solid Waste Management Plan (5-year) 2012 • Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo on Waste The Pristina Local Solid Waste Management Plan Management 2013-2022 (LSWMP) is a planning document that enables imple- • Plan of the Republic of Kosovo on Waste mentation at the local level of the Strategy of The being taken to treatment sites. Recyclable waste serve as a source of income for them. Private compa- Management (PRKWM) 2012-2016 Republic of Kosovo on Waste Management and the can either be taken from households directly or nies in charge of waste collection and transportation • Waste Management Master Plan (WWMP, 2014) Plan of The Republic of Kosovo on Waste Management, sorted at intermediate facilities. The resulting sometimes engage the informal sector in the collec- contributing to waste management policy imple- product can then be sent for further processing. tion of waste and the sorting of recyclables. The final According to Law No. 04/L-060 on waste and the mentation and the achievement of national objec- The traditional modes of treating residual waste are: treatment and disposal of waste has to be done by national Strategy on Solid Waste Management tives. (Partnership Council for a Healthy Environment 1) sanitary landfill and 2) incineration. Both of these the formal system; it is usually done by the private (SWM), Kosovo’s municipalities are responsible for of Pristina Commune, 2015: 10-11) processes require financial resources and techno- companies in charge of sanitary landfill sites or oper- issuing their local waste management plans, which logical support and can assist in producing energy. ating waste incinerators. However, illegal dumping shall deal with, in particular, the following: 5.5.2 Stakeholders at National, Regional and does take place (see chapter 5.5.3 a). Local Levels Depending on the governance structure of cities • Amount and types of waste expected to be and their financial capacities, the process of waste 5.5 Waste Management in Pristina, Kosovo generated; origin of waste to be used or stored, The Ministry of Environment & Spatial Planning collection from households and transportation to as planned, in a particular space (MESP) leads the creation of policies, law enforce- sorting or storage sites can be either completely Kosovo, as a recently-formed nation, is taking positive • Program for municipal waste collection from ment and supervision of activities for environmental formal, completely informal, or a combination of the strides towards defining the municipal functions of households, and commercial and industrial protection, including in waste management, water two. According to Al-Khatib et al. (in Bobeck, 2010: dealing with solid waste in the country. The Ministry of waste resources, air, soil and biodiversity at the national 5), waste collection services are deficient for up to Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of • Program for collection, gathering and separa- level. According to the Law on Environmental 50% of the urban population in developing coun- Kosovo has drafted a Strategy on Waste Management tion of hazardous waste from other wastes, or Protection, environmental reporting is a task tries; as a result, a combination of systems exist for as required by Sections 8 and 9 of the Law on Waste separation of waste types and responsibility of the Kosovo Environmental the management of waste. The formal system typi- Nr. 04/L-060. The main objective of the strategy is to • Proposals for appropriate techniques for reuse Protection Agency (KEPA). cally consists of: 1) the municipal body in charge create measures for reducing the current amount of and recycling and reduction of various compo- of administrative functions and 2) private compa- waste generated as well as the creation of a sustain- nents of municipal waste According to the Law on Local Governance, munici- nies, either engaged in transportation of waste able management system (Ministry of Environment • Program for raising public awareness and palities exercise their powers within their area of or in charge of landfill sites or waste incinerators. and Spatial Planning, 2013). Since 2012, the collection, education regarding waste management jurisdiction to achieve certain goals and provide The informal system consists of waste pickers who transfer and disposal of waste has been devolved to • Description of locations for equipment and services for the residents. The provision and main- Figure 2: collect from illegal dump sites, streets, containers, the local tier of governance, in an effort to make the facilities for waste treatment and disposal, tenance of public services and utilities, including Waste Generation, Collection small scrap dealers, intermittent buyers, etc. The process transparent and accountable. including necessary technical requirements for waste management, are the responsibility of the and Disposal informal system together with the households the design of new facilities respective municipalities. In Pristina, the Directorate Source: Prepared by Authors usually deal with the recyclable materials, which also • Estimates of waste management costs and of Public Services, which is a part of the municipality,

38 39 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

is responsible for waste management, the services KLMC’s area of responsibility (Kosovo Trust Agency, 5.5.3 Current Waste Management Process in to pay the collection fee (Salihu, 2016). As explained for which are provided by the regional company n.d.). Pristina earlier, animal waste from butcheries and construc- Pastrimi, based in Pristina. Pastrimi is a publicly tion debris are not allowed in landfill and hence go owned enterprise (PoE). Shareholders of this PoE are At the local level, apart from the municipality of The figure 3 shows the present process of waste to illegal dumping sites. For collection and disposal the municipalities of Pristina, Fushë Kosova, Obiliqi, Pristina, households, businesses and institutions are management. In order to have a holistic under- there are 47 trucks, each with a carrying capacity of Lipjan, Drenas, Graqanica and Podujevo. Since 2012, also generators of waste. Waste from these sources is standing of the waste management system in 10 – 16 m3. Currently, between 15 and 17 trucks are it has been required to apply to the MESP for a licence deposited or dumped at waste container sites within Pristina, it is important to understand each phase used every day, depending on requirements. There to collect and dispose of municipal solid waste from the city for collection and transport. Individual waste involved: generation, collection, sorting, and are approximately 1600 to 1700 waste containers of Pristina Municipality (Partnership Council for a collectors go around the city removing recyclables disposal. The information in this section is based on 1.1 m3 capacity across Pristina where waste is depos- Healthy Environment of Pristina Commune, 2015: 13). from the waste bins at these container sites. They the field visit to Dardania, Pristina, and interviews ited. When the director of Pastrimi was asked about then sell the collected recyclables to scrap proces- with the municipality and Pastrimi on 21 and 22 the possibility of providing more containers in order Kosovo Landfill Management Company (KLMC) is sors who act as middlemen by preparing the mate- June, 2016. to improve efficiency and reduce transport costs, responsible for the regional landfill site. KLMC is a rial for export or transport to mills for the produc- he explained that this is not possible due to space registered independent company in charge of the tion of granulates. The following table (table 1) lists a. Waste generation constraints (Salihu, 2016). management of facilities for the final disposal of the actors/stakeholders in waste management at waste in Kosovo. Facilities for the final disposal of national, regional and local level. The main sources of waste generation in Pristina are: Previously, waste collection and the emptying of waste include landfills and transfer stations. There households, businesses and institutions. Since the bins was done at night. As of June 2016, collection are currently four landfills under KLMC manage- While discussing the current situation of waste disposal sites provided by the operator company is supposed to be carried out between 0700 and ment (Prizren, Gjilan, Pristina and Podujeva) and management during the field visit, some of the have only one kind of bin, the waste material is 1500 hours, a rule imposed by Pastrimi that is still one transfer station (Ferizaj). KLMC is responsible for constraints experienced by the actors/stakeholders disposed of by the sources in containers without not always put into practice. The director of Pastrimi ensuring that landfills are operated safely and effi- came to light. Each stakeholder was facing certain any kind of sorting. Additionally, there are other explained that this change in collection times had ciently and that all environmental requirements are issues in the carrying out of their role as indicated types of waste that are not currently provided with become an issue as people had not yet adapted complied with. It is also responsible for the closure in table 1. Pastrimi faces issues related to the collec- a proper disposal site: animal waste from butcheries, and waste collection had decreased as a result. He and aftercare of landfills when their life cycle is tion and disposal of special waste, collection times construction debris and medical waste. Since these suggested that the new collection times offered completed and for the construction of new waste and efficiency (elaborated in 5.5.3). Fee collection are not allowed to be disposed of at the landfill, waste pickers the opportunity to collect recycla- disposal facilities. KLMC reports back to KEPA annu- from households, businesses and institutions does several illegal dumping sites have sprung up around bles from container sites at night instead of in the ally. The engineered landfills built in Kosovo have a not function 100% and so has room for improve- Pristina and the region (Salihu, 2016). morning (Salihu, 2016). minimum life expectancy of 15 years. There are other ment. The municipality will shortly take over waste landfills in Kosovo built outside of the European management from Pastrimi, which will require b. Collection and disposal Agency Program and subsequently outside of human and financial resources. The collection and disposal of waste is carried out by the publicly owned enterprise (PoE) Pastrimi which Stakeholders Sector Role / Function Financial impacts Constraints operates in seven municipalities, including Pristina. MESP Public Law on Waste Management Costs for landfill - na Pastrimi collects an average of 300 tons of waste a KEPA Public Monitoring and reporting - na day from all the municipalities, of which 200 tons •• Waste collection and •• Taxes •• Issues regarding special are collected in the municipality of Pristina alone. transport •• Gate fee for landfill waste Pastrimi Public •• Fee collection •• Direct and indirect costs •• Collection timing Pastrimi collects waste in two ways depending on •• Efficiency the area and density of population. For the outskirts KLMC Public Waste Disposal Operation costs - na and periphery of the city, it conducts weekly door- Prepare annual budget Maintenance costs of Municipality of Pristina Public Waste management unit Human resources to-door collections. In the denser, central urban container sites areas collection is from the container sites, where Households, Businesses, Civil / Formal Waste generation Fee payment Not 100% the containers are emptied at least once a day. When Institutions required, they can even be emptied two or three •• Health Livelihood from selling Table 1: Waste Pickers Informal Sorting recyclables •• Child labour Figure 3: recyclables times a day. Collection coverage is almost 100%. •• Littering Stakeholder Analysis of However, officials from Pastrimi estimate that 10% – Current Waste Management Technology for increasing Middlemen/ Companies Formal/ Informal Processing recyclables Economic gains Pristina revenue 15% of waste generated does not go to landfill but to Process in Pristina Source: Prepared by Authors illegal dumping sites because of a lack of willingness Source: Prepared by Authors

40 41 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

c. Sorting the container sites are now managed. The planned change in operations will mean that the entire respon- As explained earlier, sorting at source is not yet sibility for waste management is transferred to the practiced in Pristina. However, an informal process Municipality of Pristina. The municipality will then of sorting is carried out by individual collectors at contract out the services to a private organization. the container sites. They select the recyclable mate- Pastrimi will be eligible to apply and, if awarded the rials from the containers, especially PET bottles, by contract, would continue in their previous role (Qorri rummaging through the mixed waste. Often they et al., 2016). do this during the day. They then take the bulk of what they have collected to scrap processors and The sorting of recyclable material is done by unor- mills, privately owned companies which process and ganized and informal individual collectors mainly export the material or make new products from it, or from the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) commu- they drop it off at collection points from where the nities. After sorting, the material is processed to be material is picked up by these companies. exported or repurposed for new products, a process that is carried out by scrap processors and mills, Usually, individual collectors take the collected companies which can be either formal or informal. recyclables from Pristina to Fushë Kosovo, on the outskirts of the city, where most local scrap proces- 5.5.5 Public Budget and Finances for Waste sors and mills are located. The individual collec- Management in Pristina tors mainly employ two modes of transportation: walking with bundles on their backs, and moto- Presently the budget for waste management is cultivators fitted with trailers to carry the load. The included in the Public Works segment of the muni- municipality is concerned about the health risks cipal budget. The waste management unit was faced by individual collectors, who are prone to acci- established in 2016 and will have a separate budget dents and to harming themselves by carrying heavy from next year. After the operations change – from loads on their backs. This method of sorting is also the PoE to the municipality – the budget will be an issue for Pastrimi, due to constant littering around more defined. From 2017, collection fees will also be the container sites, making it difficult to empty and managed by the municipality, which is in the process collect waste. The company is also concerned about of planning the budget and the timeline (Qorri et al., Figure 4: the hygiene of the sites and that residents might 2016). Organizational Structure of complain that Pastrimi is not performing the service Direct and indirect costs include waste collection, Waste Management in Pristina properly. The information in this section is based on inter- landfill gate fees and street cleaning costs. The costs Source: Prepared by Authors, views with the municipality and Pastrimi on 21 and for businesses and institutions were not available. Based on the Data Provided 5.5.4 Current Organizational Structure of Waste 22 June, 2016 and also on data gathered from Mr. by GIZ, Pristina and Pastrimi Management in Pristina Shkelqim Daci of GIZ, Pristina. Of the total SWM costs, 65% went on waste collec- Figure 5: tion, 25% on landfill gate fees and 10% on cleaning. Percentage of Costs Incurred Various actors are involved in the process of waste a. Costs of waste management in Pristina by Pastrimi, 2014 management in Pristina. These include: public insti- Source: Prepared by Authors, tutions, civil society and private companies. The role Table 2 depicts the direct and indirect costs of waste Served Based on the Data Provided Population for of each actor has been described in the stakeholder management per household in Pristina as incurred 2016 by GIZ, Pristina and Pastrimi analysis of this chapter (see table 1 and figure 4). The by Pastrimi. Direct costs include: operational equip- Average Cost of Table 2: 91000 SWM Services Projected costs Projected costs relationship between the actors is represented by ment, staff and consumables. Indirect costs include: households per household per month per year Average Cost of SWM Services arrows. At present, the municipality is in charge of garaging, office premises, consumables for work- per month per Household per Month the administration and implementation of the Plan shop, indirect staff and other administrative costs. Direct Cost 2.56 € 232,960 € 2,795,520 € Incurred by Pastrimi, 2014 of the Republic of Kosovo on Waste Management The figures are for 2014. The average cost per month Indirect Cost 2.59 € 235,690 € 2,828,280 € Source: Prepared by Authors, (PRKWM), and Pastrimi is in charge of waste collection of waste collection, transfer and disposal was 5.15 Based on the Data Provided Total SWM Cost 5.15 € 468,650 € 5,623,800 € and disposal to landfill. It is important to mention that Euros per household. by GIZ, Pristina and Pastrimi

42 43 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

Served Population 2014 Average Cost of SWM Services per household per month in Euros 45,607 households Waste Waste Transfer Landfill Street Cleaning, Others Total SWM Collection Direct Cost 1.66 - 0.64 0.26 2.56 Indirect Cost 1.7 - 0.63 0.25 2.59 Total SWM Cost 3.36 - 1.28 0.51 5.15 Waste Collection - 4.64 0.51 5.15 Transfer - Disposal

Total Indirect Staff Cost 2014 Service Area and No. Basic Salary €/ Social Benefits €/ Staff Position month month €/month months/year €/year

Management Staff 5 2,991 € 0 € 3,588 € 12 43,056 €

Administration 86 2,510 € 0 € 30,960 € 12 371,520 €

Workshop 26 975 € 0 € 6,950 € 12 83,400 €

Security 16 280 € 0 € 4,480 € 12 53,760 €

133 551,736 €

According to officials at Pastrimi, the number of 3. 12 Euros per 1.1 m3 container for institutions The payment of fees is voluntary as Pastrimi does not of recyclable materials: 1) residents bring them to the households in Pristina covered by waste collection have a legal mandate to collect fees from the citizens waste bank, or 2) drop them in the yellow bins to be services has increased from 45,607 in 2014 to 91,000 Calculations for the total annual revenue collec- or users. Hence the fee collection rate is not 100%. provided at existing container sites. From both the in 2016. Table 3 represents the calculation of service tion by Pastrimi could not be carried out due to the An average of about 70% of fees are collected. There yellow bins and the waste banks, the material will be costs for 2016, done by extrapolating unit costs per following data gaps: are also other constraints, such as the unwillingness picked up by trucks managed by a private company household per month to the current number of of commercial users to pay and the fact that charges and taken to its plants to be sorted and processed. In households in a year (see table 3). According to the -T- otal number of businesses in Pristina for businesses are low compared to the service they this scenario, the current black bins will remain and calculation, the total cost of waste management -T- otal number of institutions and the number receive. During our interview the officials at Pastrimi individual collectors will be able to take recyclable services in Pristina for 2016 will be 5,623,800 Euros. of containers each has reported that last year 75% of users paid their waste material from them and take it to the waste bank, -A- nnual grants/transfers from the national fees and that 67% of this number were households. where they will be paid by the private company who Administrative costs are structured by Service Area government The director of Pastrimi claimed that even if the fee manages it. and Staff Position as follows: Management Staff, collection rate were increased to 100%, revenues Administration, Workshop and Security (see table 3). Officials at Pastrimi named the procedures for would only cover administrative costs and day- 5.6.2 Organizational Structure of Proposed Administrative costs for 2014 were 551,736 Euros. collecting fees from the above-mentioned segment to-day operational costs and that there is a need Project as the following: for extra funds for capital investment. As possible b. Revenue from waste management in sources of financing he cited international donors, From 2017, the municipality of Pristina will own the Table 3: Pristina 1. Through fee collectors: There are 40 the national government and the municipality who pilot project. They will steer the operations and Annual Operational Costs fee collectors in Pristina. Each handles could provide support by supplying equipment and set all quality control standards through the Waste Incurred by Pastrimi, 2016 Currently the only source of revenue for the public between 1200 and 1300 bills per month, total- paying other infrastructure costs (Salihu, 2016). Management Unit (WMU) set up within the munici- Source: Prepared by Authors, sector in waste management are the collection fees. ling between 4,000 and 5,000 Euros. They get pality. Six people will be employed within the WMU Based on Information Below are the three fee rates for different segments either 9% of fees collected or a minimum 360 5.6 Pilot Project of Waste Bank in Dardania to manage operations: one head of sector, one Provided by GIZ, Pristina according to the information provided by Pastrimi: Euros salary. operations officer, one complaints/PR officer, one Table 4: 2. Through collection points: There are 8 fee 5.6.1 Overview of the Proposed Scenario IT officer, two maintenance officers. Currently three Figure 6: Annual Administrative Costs 1. 4.65 Euros per household per month collection points in the city where citizens can people are employed. For collection and disposal Proposed Scenario for Waste Incurred by Pastrimi, 2014 2. Between 6 to 9 Euros per month and 16 to 18 go and pay directly. The proposed pilot project in Dardania aims at intro- the municipality will contract a company, possibly Management in Dardania Source: Prepared by Authors, Euros per month for businesses, depending 3. Through direct bank transfers, with ducing sorting and recycling at source. The waste Pastrimi if it meets the requirements of the public Source: Prepared by Authors, Based on Information on the size of the business an additional one Euro service charge. bank will serve as a collection point for recyclable tendering process (Qorri et al., 2016). Based on the Data Provided Provided by GIZ, Pristina materials. There will be two options for the collection by GIZ, Pristina and Pastrimi

44 45 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

the awareness raising campaigns and is now coop- only the waste banks. Officials at the municipality costs of the waste banks that will be incurred by the erating to bring in the private partner who will be in stated that waste collection is their duty and that municipality. charge of the waste bank. they intended to fulfil it. They hope to learn good practices from the pilot project in Dardania and to Annual costs for maintenance and operation to a. Cost of waste management in Dardania use them to scale up. This is a new venture for the be incurred by the municipality for the new waste municipality and they will learn more as the project banks could not be calculated due to the following According to Pastrimi, the amount of municipal progresses (Qorri et al., 2016). data gaps: waste from households, businesses and institutions in Dardania is 60 tons per day. The cost of managing 5.6.4 Cost of Scaling up the Pilot Project to -C- ost of utilities at the waste bank (electricity, this waste has been calculated by taking the per City Level water, etc.) ton direct and indirect costs for Pristina. These costs -- Maintenance of container sites have been extrapolated to the amount of waste After operationalizing the pilot project in Dardania, -- Human resources costs produced currently in Dardania and then converted the municipality of Pristina intends to set up 21 to costs per year (see table 5). The total cost of waste waste banks across the city. Once integrated into the 5.7 Recommendations for the Pilot Project management per year is estimated to be 928,800 system, these will lead to efficient managing of recy- Euros. clables, increased waste segregation at source, and Recommendations have been broken down into the will provide a livelihood for the informal/individual following categories: b. Impact of the pilot project on public budget waste pickers. A reduction in the amount of waste According to the presentation by Mr. Kai Hofmann being transported to the landfill will also result in 5.7.1 regarding the Waste Management on 19 June, 2016, a private company will be The municipality of Pristina has positive economic reduced gate fees and a decrease in public expen- System: contracted in the pilot project to manage the waste expectations of the pilot project. They expect that diture. bank in Dardania. The company will be in charge of the project will encourage people to separate their The foremost concern for both the municipality collecting recyclables from the yellow bins and from waste at source. This will lead to less waste being Scaling up will also result in an increase in operation and Pastrimi is littering by individual collectors at individual collectors and transporting it to sorting disposed of as landfill, thereby reducing costs due to and maintenance costs as indicated in the previous the container sites. The implementation of a waste and processing centers. The company will also gate fees. Additionally, the municipality is targeting section in table 5. The following are the capital bank will not address this aspect as collectors will pay individual collectors at the end of each day. As a fee collection rate of 100% by introducing some

previously mentioned, six individual collectors with new measures. For example, if a householder wants Street Cleaning, 2014 Waste Collection Waste Transfer Landfill Total SWM experience of collecting recyclables in Dardania will to register his car, he has to pay property tax and Others be employed by the company to sort and collect when he pays property tax he has to prove that he Direct Unit Cost 15 €/t 0 €/t 6 €/t Not available 21 €/t recyclables from the container sites within Dardania. has paid the waste fee. A business example might be Indirect Unit Cost 16 €/t 0 €/t 6 €/t Not available 22 €/t The municipality, with the support of GIZ, will float a a café owner who wants to use his terrace, but can Total Unit Cost 31 €/t 0 €/t 12 €/t Not available 43 €/t tender to select the company. only get a permit if he pays the waste fee (Qorri et Waste generated in al., 2016). Total SWM costs per Total SWM costs per Dardania Total SWM costs per day year year With the introduction of the waste bank the munici- - 60 t/day pality intends to regularize informal individual The municipality will also adapt initiatives to incen- Direct cost for Dardania 60 t x 21 €/t 1,260 € Per day 37,800 € 453,600 € Indirect cost for Table 5: collectors, reduce their health risks, avoid child labor tivize sorting at source. They intend to make it 60 t x 22 €/t 1,320 € Per day 39,600 € 475,200 € Dardania and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by mandatory for the private company running the Cost of the Pilot Project in Total costs for Dardania 2,580 € Per day 77,400 € 928,800 € increasing the volume of recyclables collected. waste bank to contribute a part of their profit to the Dardania neighbourhood schools. This amount will contribute Source: Prepared by Authors, Capital Costs Pilot Project Per unit cost Scaling up cost in Euros 5.6.3 Public Budget and Finances for the to the children’s education or enhance services Based on Information Proposed Project within the neighbourhood. When the citizens Land Free of cost / 50 sq.m. 400 - 500 Euros per sq.m. 525,000 Provided by GIZ, Pristina Figure 7: are made aware of these incentives, they will feel Cost of construction of Waste bank 32 sq.m. 6000 – 10000 Euros per site ~ 200,000 Table 6: Organizational Structure of The pilot project is being funded by the municipality encouraged to sort at source (Qorri et al., 2016). New containers bought 28,890 90,000 Capital Costs for Scaling-up 21 Waste Management in Pristina with support from GIZ. The municipality has donated Construction of container sites 11,000 (33 nos.) 333.3 50,000 Waste Banks across the City Source: Prepared by Authors, the land for setting up the waste bank free of cost. The municipality is confident that if they achieve a Container bins for households 12,300 3 Euros per household 273,000 Source: Prepared by Authors, Based on the Data Provided The appearance of the container sites has been 100% fee collection rate, the revenue will be enough Awareness Raising 50,000 (provided GIZ) 12 Euros per household 1,092,000 Based on Information by GIZ, Pristina and Pastrimi improved by the municipality. GIZ has supported to run the entire waste management system, not Total 2,230,000 Provided by GIZ, Pristina

46 47 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Organizational Structure and Public Budget

continue to work at the present container sites. It tional costs before scaling up the project to the city is recommended that a space within the sites be level. As indicated above, a number of data gaps demarcated where collectors can sort the recy- resulted in incomplete cost calculations. These data clables. The municipality should also put in place gaps have to be filled by the municipality in order to measures for keeping the sites clean by mandating get a clear picture of the total revenue generated by the private company to carry out an inspection at waste fees and the total operational and manage- the end of the day. According to Mr. Shkelqim Daci ment costs involved. This could be done by tracking from GIZ, Pristina, there will be 150 container sites in fees collected and costs incurred. Thus, a separate total in Pristina, similar to the ones that are presently budget for waste management is absolute necessity. in Dardania, Pristina. Individual waste collectors The budget heads should indicate the fee collection should also be made aware of health and hygiene rate, the total amount collected in a year and the issues. These actions are necessary in order to make costs incurred by the municipality. the waste banks function as intended. 5.7.4 Suggested Indicators As previously mentioned in this chapter, collection times have been changed, meaning that the regu- It is recommended that the outcomes of the imple- larized collectors will not find much waste at the mentation of the pilot project be measured by container sites during the day. Therefore a schedule fulfiling the following indicators: should be set up to synchronize Pastrimi’s collection times with the working hours of individual waste • The municipality should have a separate waste collectors and the cleaning of the collection sites at management budget by the end of 2017. the end of the day. • The Waste Management Unit at Pristina Municipality should have human resources 5.7.2 Regarding Organizational Structure: capacities to allow the scaling up of waste management services by 2017.6.1 The organizational structure of the pilot project looks complex. Sorting and recycling will be over- seen by two different stakeholders: a private company and individual collectors. We recommend streamlining the structure for better output, with only one stakeholder performing each function. This would mean organizing the collection of recyclables so that just one stakeholder picks up material from any given place and conveys it to another. For example, only informal pickers pick up material from collection sites and dispose of it at the waste bank, and from there the company truck takes the material to the processing plant.

5.7.3 regarding the Public Budget:

As previously mentioned, due to changes in the law in Kosovo waste management functions will be shifted to the municipality from 2017. As of that date, Right Page Pastrimi will no longer be in charge of collection and Dardania Neighbourhood disposal. Hence, it is important for the municipality Photo: Rucha Kelkar to ascertain the revenues generated and the opera-

48 49 Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

6 Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

Authors 6.1 Introduction Tarek Alkhateeb María Rosa Muñoz The way in which cities and countries manage Galuh Ainur Rohmah the waste produced by households and busi- Huiwen Tang nesses not only has an impact on the environ- Anna Marie Walter ment, but could also become an important source of income and employment for many. This report analyses the economic impacts of waste management in general and in particular in Kosovo. The first section introduces the concept of circular economy and explains the potential of the recycling industry. Section two identifies and describes all the stakeholders in the recycling value chain. The PET recycling value chain was chosen as the base for the analysis. The third section details several calculations conducted in order to estimate the positive and/ or negative impacts on the different stakeholders in the plastics value chain, based on a cost-benefit analysis. Using the findings from section three, section four introduces an alternative scenario for the operation of the waste bank that is shown to be more profitable for the current stakeholders. This section includes two case studies that illustrate the suitability and likely good outcomes of the alternative proposed. Finally, in section five we identify the data gaps that need to be filled in order to have more accurate results.

Left Page Individual Collector Truck Photo: Anna Marie Walter

51 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

6.1.1 Circular Economy it is able to generate. The cost of recycled materials compared to new ones is usually lower. Therefore, if The utility and value of consumable goods decrease the costs of cleaning and repairing are not too high, over time, ultimately turning them into waste. many companies will prefer to use recycled materials Waste is environmentally harmful and economically in order to reduce the costs of production. In the unsustainable. The idea of circular economy tackles United States, the recycling industry employed more precisely this problem. It is an economy that is restor- than 1.1 million people, generated over $236 billion ative and regenerative in nature (Ellen MacArthur in gross revenues and saved municipal budgets for Foundation, n.a). In simple terms, products that landfilling over $3 billion in 2014 (Gonen, 2015). have been consumed and discarded are brought back into the market through recycling and re-use. Benefits of recycling would be: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation defines a circular economy as a continuous positive development 1. Energy saving: Recycling reduces the need cycle that preserves and enhances natural capital, to extract and process primary resources and optimises resource yields, and minimizes system materials, two industries that require high risks, thus making it an important guide towards levels of energy and produce high levels of a more sustainable future where resources are CO2 emissions. depleting at an exponential rate due to anthropo- 2. Land saving: Since land is a scarce natural genic activities (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, n.a). resource, people need to use land efficiently. A circular economy has even greater relevance in The more we recycle from waste, the less goes urban settings where consumption of goods and to landfill or the incinerator. waste production are both extremely high. 3. Job creation: As a recognized industry, recycling creates jobs and generates dramatically from more than USD$110 per barrel in The cycles of circular economy are divided into two revenue. It is estimated that dumping June 2014 to around USD$30-50 per barrel in 2016, parts: biological cycle and technical cycle (Ellen 10,000 tons of waste into landfill creates a drop of over 60% (Bloomberg, 2016). Low oil prices MacArthur Foundation, n.a). The biological cycle six jobs while recycling 10,000 tons of make plastics recycling barely economically viable, allows nature to restore and regenerate while the waste creates 36 jobs (Thi Van Nga, 2011:8). since it becomes cheaper to produce new plastic technical cycle enables human beings to use regen- than to recycle old (see figure 8). erative ways to recover materials. The core idea 6.1.3 Global Markets for Recyclable Materials behind circular economy is not merely the recycling Concerning recycling metals, the commodity and recovery of materials, it also aims to completely The second step to understanding the execution markets have been at historic lows and the value design out waste, minimize the use of energy at all of the recycling industry is to look at the external of scrap materials has also fallen dramatically. For shows the scheme of the value chain of the recycling stages, including production, consumption and conditions that could exogenously modify the costs instance, aluminium and steel prices dropped by sector. recovery, and to reinvigorate the economy (Perella, and profits of the business and therefore threaten its 50% (see figure 9), rendering the economic benefit n.a). While many countries are gearing towards stability. Recycling has its environmental benefits, of recycling them very small. Some companies Individual Collector circular economy, studies have predicted a signifi- but most recycling companies are in it for profits. In would therefore strategically choose to stockpile cant benefit for the global economy due to this the case of plastics, for example, when the oil price is those metals until prices rise again. As mentioned in the Social Impacts chapter, indi- Figure 8: movement. too low to make recycling viable, only large compa- vidual collectors are mostly people from the RAE WTI Crude Oil Price from nies are able to stay in business in the long run. In 6.2 Market Analysis of the Recycling Sector communities who work in the collection of recy- July 2013 - June 2016 6.1.2 The Economic Potential of the Recycling this context it is important to observe the behavior in Kosovo - Identification and Description clable materials from waste containers in the Source: NYSE, 2016 Business of some commodities that directly impact the recy- of Economic Stakeholders different neighbourhoods in Pristina and other Figure 9: cling business. cities in Kosovo with the aim of selling them to the LME Aluminium (left) and According to the World Bank estimate made in 2010, In order to understand the economic impacts of the buyer who offers them the best price. Therefore, Steel Billet (right) Price global Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation In the case of plastics, they are derived from by-prod- waste bank project, the first step is to understand the type of transport that they can afford can make Source: London Metal Exchange levels are expected to double by 2025 (World Bank, ucts of the petroleum refining processes. Therefore, the structure and relationships between the stake- a significant difference in terms of their income. Figure 10: 2010:1). Therefore, the recycling business has a lot of when oil prices go down, the price of plastic follows. holders of the recycling sector, i.e. the role and the The Recycling Value Chain potential in terms of the employment and profit that In the last three years, the oil price went down margins of each actor in the value chain. Figure 10 Figure 11 shows the distances between Source: Prepared by Authors

52 53 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

businesses and public institutions, which illustrates Mills the importance of the individual collectors for the industry in Kosovo. Most investment in this segment Mills are production facilities that use recycled is self-financed and directed towards basic equip- materials as input to create new products. Mills ment for shredding and compressing and transport in Kosovo focus on the processing of PET, paper, (UBO Consulting, 2011). nylon and aluminium in order to produce final goods. Among the goods produced by them are As buyers, scrap processors have two options: 1) parts for brooms and brushes, aluminium fence sell on to a Kosovar mill that processes the type of decorations, plastic pipes and garbage bags, waste purchased, or 2) export the compressed or and egg carton materials (UBO Consulting, 2011). shredded material to surrounding countries. For the In contrast to the scrap processing market, this is a latter option, the most common destinations are new and developing sector in Kosovo. According Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Turkey. The to the official report of municipal waste (Kosovo price received per kilogram is not fixed. It depends Environmental Protection Agency, 2009), there on the global commodity market (UBO Consulting, were 35 companies in Kosovo dealing with recycling 2011). However, the field research conducted in materials such as paper, metals, organic waste, tires, Kosovo revealed that they are paid 25 cents per plastics etc. up until 2008. However, the number of kilogram of compressed plastic bottles when they high capacity mills has reduced, mostly due to the export to the countries mentioned. This 2016 figure entry barriers to the sector. This refers to the high represents a significant fall from 2012, when the price of the processing machines (50,000 – 250,000 price per kilogram was 45 cents (Latifaj, 23.06.2016). Euros), which, together with the lack of institutional This is related to fluctuating oil prices as explained support and the high interest rates in the Kosovar in section 6.1.3. financial system, makes it difficult for locals to make such an investment (UBO Consulting, 2011). Plastic Bottles Other Plastics Aluminium Can Other Metal Paper Selling Point European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) Nonetheless, they mostly rely on scrap processors 15 13 60 12 9 Fuss Kosovo to obtain the required material for their produc- 8 5 10 7 8 Valdet As explained in the Social Impacts section, ECMI has tion. According to Aldan Rama, the owner of Izolimi 13 14 50 10 9 Pristina been successful in creating an association of indi- Plast, 80% of the recycled material comes from scrap 13 12 70 10 Pristina vidual collectors. One of the most significant outputs processors, while the other 20% still comes from 18 14 80 10 10 ecmi of the project is the implementation of a collection individual collectors (Rama, 24.06.2016). 20 23 Izolimi center in Fushë Kosovë, run entirely by individual collectors. The center is equipped with shredding In the case of the plastics recycling business, the waste sources and buyers in Dardania. Middlemen machinery, which allows it to sell shredded plastic at sorted plastics are compressed and submitted to In table 7, the prices that different types of buyers a higher price to mills. The center buys plastic waste a process of cleaning, melting and reproduction pay for different types of materials are shown. Scrap Processors from individual collectors at 25 cents/kg of PET into pellets or agglomerates. Therefore, companies Thus, individual collectors have the option to sell bottles, and sells the shredded waste to mills for an wanting to move into this business have to invest the collected materials to middlemen such as scrap A large number of scrap processing companies average of 21 cents/kg of PET (Kabashi, 23.06.2016). in a full set of equipment to carry out mechanical Figure 11: processors or directly to the mills. According to the is distributed across Kosovo1. In the late 2000s, The center pays more than other scrap processors and chemical recycling. During the field research, Distances to be Covered field research conducted, scrap processors in Pristina scrap processors focused mostly on metals because it runs as a non-profit organization. In order we were able to interview the owner of one of the for Waste Collection and pay 13 cents per kilogram of PET, while those located (iron, copper and aluminium) (UBO Consulting, to ensure the sustainability of the center after donor biggest plastics mills in Kosovo, Izolimi Plast, and the Distribution in Fushe Kosova pay 15 cents. Meanwhile, the mills 2011). However, as the price of metals drasti- support expires, ECMI is looking at the possibility of results will be used in this report. Source: Open Street Map pay the most. Izolimi Plast, the recycling company cally decreased, interest shifted to plastics. creating a social enterprise to run the center in the Table 7: interviewed for this report, pays between 20 and In terms of where scrap processors’ supplies come future. However, legislation for social enterprises Table 8 (next page) gives a general overview of the Prices Paid by Material and 25 cents depending on the purity of the PET (Rama, from, 75% of the collected material comes from has not yet been created in the Republic of Kosovo. difficulties that members of the value chain face and Buyer 24.06.2016). The third option, ECMI, an NGO located individual collectors and the remaining 25% from Nevertheless, this would provide the association of also makes some suggestions about what could be Source: Based on Interview in Fushe Kosova, pays 18 cents per kilogram of PET. individual collectors with the opportunity to move done to improve the overall situation. with Izolimi Plast 1 76 Scrap Processors were interviewed by UBO Consulting. up in the value chain.

54 55 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

6.2.1 value Chain of the PET Recycling Protection Agency, 2009). However, as previ- the proposed pilot project in the Dardania neigh- Industry in Kosovo ously mentioned, access to landfills is restricted. bourhood with the new company, Green Recycling. In 2014, SRI was one of the private operators in In the previous section, a brief overview of the stake- In figure 13 a rough picture of the value Pristina involved in the collection and trading of holders in the value chain was given. As a specific chain of plastics in Kosovo can be observed2. recyclable waste. It employed around 25 people and example from the recycling value chain in Kosovo As can be seen, waste management in Kosovo goes collected about 10,000 tons of recyclable material we have selected the recycling of plastics. The types through three main phases. Firstly, in the waste per year, 95% of which was exported to countries of plastics used in this industry are (USAID Kosovo generation phase, homes and private businesses pay such as Turkey and Macedonia (Valdet, 22.06.2016). Private Enterprise Program, 2009): 3-5 Euros per month as a waste management fee. In The company was chosen to manage the waste the second phase, recyclable waste is collected by bank and its collection points in the pilot program. • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) individual waste collectors who sell the waste either However, the company chose to terminate its busi- • High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to middlemen or directly to recycling companies. ness in Kosovo for a variety of reasons (Valdet, • Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Finally, waste is sorted and transferred to recycling 22.06.2016): • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) companies for processing. The arrows indicate the direction of the flows and the relationship between • Low institutional support The most important goods produced from them are: the different stakeholders. • High rents • Low profit margins • Foil for agriculture and construction 6.3 the Introduction of a Waste Bank in • Loss of profits due to fluctuations in the price • Drainage pipes Dardania through a Private Operator - of oil in the world market which caused the • Shopping bags expected Impacts value of plastic to decline • Bottles, containers, bottle caps

Individual Scrap • Thermos foil for wrapping The previous section provided an overview of the In the new pilot project, the new local company ECMI Collectors Processor functioning of and threats facing the recycling busi- Green Recycling has been chosen as the private 1. High entry barriers for the 1. No access to Of the 0.6 million tons of municipal waste gener- ness, with an emphasis on plastics. In this section sector partner. The company employs some of the collection centre to rise in the the municipal 1. Bad working value chain and compete with ated in Kosovo in 2012, 11% was plastics. This means the focus will be on the Dardania Waste Bank Pilot former employees of S.R.I., so maintaining know- landfills conditions established companies. where 50% of that 66,000 tons of plastic could potentially be Project that the GIZ plans to support the municipality ledge of the area and its networks. Also, given that 2. Unreliable participation of 2. Difficult recyclables individual collectors in trainings collected and recycled (Ministry of Environment in implementing in a public-private partnership with the company is local, it is able to function at lower access to are deposited. transport and and association meetings. 2. Low reliability and Spatial Planning, 2014). However, 90% of total Green Recycling, a private recycling company. In profit margins than the foreign company S.R.I., and to machinery 3. Collection centre is limited to of collectors. plastic fractions. waste goes directly to landfill, with 50% of that particular, we will assess how Green Recycling will operate better in the local institutional and cultural being recyclable material (Kosovo Environmental function, whether or not the scheme will be profit- context. Furthermore, the company has nego- able and whether or not other stakeholders in the tiated lower rents, and intends to expand its activi- value chain will benefit. ties to include waste processing as well as collection (Valdet, 22.06.2016). This means that Green 6.3.1 S.R.I. to Green Recycling: Lessons Learned Recycling will enter the mills market, competing with companies like Izolimi Plast. By contrast, S.R.I. was The former pilot project conducted by the competing in the scrap processing market, which is Municipality of Pristina and supported by the GIZ much more competitive. Figure 12: within the framework of Sustainable Municipal IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant Services (Waste Management) 2014 – 2017 Project, 6.3.2 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Green Recycling Photo: Galuh Rohmah included a public-private-partnership (PPP) with the Table 8: S.R.I Kosova/Gasser Austria private company. In this According to our interview with Green Recycling Biggest Challenges of Recycle section we will examine the valuable lessons learned (Valdet, 22.06.2016), their business model will have Value Chain from this experience with an outward look towards the following characteristics: Source: Prepared by Authors

Figure 13: 2 It is important to mention that the information shown in this figure refers -- If the awareness campaign financed by GIZ Value Chain of Plastics in Kosovo only to our field research. The number of companies interviewed was not works properly, in the medium term house- Source: Prepared by Authors big enough to be extrapolated to the entire industry. holds will deposit 80% of recyclable waste in

56 57 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

yellow containers. This waste will be collected -- It is estimated that each individual collector uniform, gloves, badges, etc. In the following entirely on the success of the awareness campaign. by Green Recycling trucks and taken directly to who works with Green Recycling will be able sections we estimate the costs and benefits of If the awareness campaign does not bring about the the recycling facilities for further processing. to pick two or three 30-50 kilo sackfuls per this model for the individual collectors in order objective of 80% of recyclables being separated at -- The remaining 20% of recyclables will remain day from the black containers (the yellow to evaluate the real effects. source and deposited in the yellow container, either in the black containers, unsorted. This means containers will be locked). This adds up to -- The company estimates that the waste costs will increase or profit margins will decrease due that 80% of the cost will go on transport. between 60 and 150 kilos per day. bank will receive 0.5 ton per day, gradually to a low return on investment,. -- 6 individual collectors will work with Green -- For each kilogram of PET, individual collectors increasing to 1.5 tons per day, a maximum of Recycling in Dardania to extract the remaining will receive 8 cents. This price is the lowest in 30 tons per month in 20 working days. Finally, if Izolimi Plast decides to open its own collec- recyclable materials. the market, but according to Green Recycling -- The company´s intention is to use the majority tion points, it will create much stronger competition -- Individual collectors will pick the recyclables it will be compensated for by the increased of the plastics collected to produce granu- for Green Recycling through not only enjoying the from the black containers and take them to amount of waste available exclusively to the lates. A proportion of collected waste will advantage of economies of scale, but also the advan- the waste bank, which will be located in the collectors, the elimination of transport costs be sold to bigger mills with the machinery tage of low collection costs. neighbourhood. and other benefits such as the provision of a to clean impure fractions. Recyclables are expected to be sold at a premium 6.3.3 Economic Impacts on Individual Collectors Collection and transportation Euros/kg Euros/t Total Euros/ month (30 t) price, making a 100 Euros per ton profit. Yellow containers (80% of recyclables) A second important issue is the low price that Collection cost (no individual collectors) 0,00 0,00 0,00 Based on the information detailed above, we Green Recycling is willing to pay individual Transportation* 0,02 20,00 480,00 performed a cost-benefit analysis for Green collectors and the limited number of indi- Total 0,02 20,00 480,00 Recycling using the available cost information vidual collectors it is is willing to hire. In order Black containers (20% of recyclables) from Kroni (extracted from USAID Kosovo Private to show the impact on individual collectors, an PET bottles/bags 0,08 80,00 480,00 Enterprise Program, 2009), a company established economic impacts assessment has been done. Transportation* 0,02 20,00 120,00 in 2009, which together with Izolimi Plast and Euro Assumptions: Total 0,10 100,00 600,00 Plastika is one of the biggest mills in the plastics Processing Euros/kg Euros/ton Total Euros/ month (30 t) sector in Kosovo. In table 9 the detailed costs of • Total waste produced in Dardania: 28,000 kg/ Electricity + heating (300 Kw) 0,09 92,00 2760,00 Green Recycling can be seen. day3 Water (300 l /hour) * 0,00 1,00 30,00 • Plastic waste generated in Dardania: 4,144 kg/ Packaging 0,01 10,00 300,00 According to our analysis, the estimated cost of Green day4 Other 0,01 10,00 300,00 Recycling will be 492,75 Euros per ton with 70% fixed • Amount of recyclables collected in one big sack Total 0,11 113,00 3390,00 costs and only 30% variable costs. Meanwhile, the (120l) : 30 – 50 kg Fixed costs (monthly) Euros/kg Euros/ton Total Euros/ month (30 t) cost structure of Kroni shows only 40% fixed costs. • Transport cost: 2 cents/kg Labor* 0,04 40,00 535,71 There are two reasons for this: • Price of PET Green Recycling: 8 cents/kg Administration N/A N/A 1410,71 • Price of PET other buyers: 13 – 25 cents/kg5 Maintenance + spare parts N/A N/A 1785,71 1. For 80% of the recyclables the only cost is Marketing N/A N/A 1116,07 transport, and for the remaining 20% the The results according to these Depreciation (7,5 years) N/A N/A 2232,14 collection cost is way below the market price. parametres are shown in table 9. Communications N/A N/A 892,86 2. Economies of scale possibly play a role. Estimation based on data extracted from Kosovo Rent N/A N/A 1000,00 Kroni produces 1.4 times more than Green Environmental Protection Agency (2009), Ministry other N/A N/A 1339,29 Recycling and 10 times more than Izolimi of Environment and Spatial Planning (2014), and Total N/A N/A 10312,50 Plast. Izolimi Plast also has the advantage of Interview with Valdet (22.06.2016). Total 14782,50 vertical integration with the construction Total fixed cost monthly / ton 343,75 Table 9: company Izolimi Construction. In this context, The figures show that, even though the volume Total costs (Euro/ton) 492,75 Estimated Costs of Green Green Recycling will be able to generate of plastics available for six individual collectors Minimum Selling Price Euro/ kg 0,49 Recycling the expected profit of 100 Euros per ton, increases almost threefold, they will only be better Price with 100 Euro profit/t 592,75 Source: Cost Information but will not be the most competitive firm in % profit 17% from Kroni (extracted from the market despite the low variable costs. 3 1.4 kg/pc/day * 20,000 inhabitants. USAID Kosovo Private All the costs have been estimated based on the business model of Kroni. Only the price of the collection has been extract from the information 4 14.8% of waste in Pristina is plastics. Enterprise Program, 2009) given by Green Recycling. Another point to consider is that the project relies 5 Including Mills. Based on interviews performed during the field trip.

58 59 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

Current situation Waste Bank individual collectors in the classification of materials. vidual collectors) would become considerably more Interview with Valdet (22.06.2016). However, the sector is not organized, nor consistent efficient. Lastly, a social enterprise would prove more Number of individual 13 6 collectors working in its operations. Also, because of its poor access to resistant to fluctuating world market prices of mate- As can be seen in the graphs, for every economic

Amount of waste 1 50 138,13 appropriate tools and equipment, and its focus on rials, given the non-profit nature of the company. variable that was measured, the best possible situ- collected (kg/day) just a few types of recyclable materials, the sector is Obstacles facing this alternative scenario include: ation for the individual collectors would be with Total income/day/ 6,50 - 11,50 11,05 collector deemed inefficient. a social enterprise. In terms of employment, the Total income • Current low levels of institutional assistance number of individual collectors involved in the generated by waste 84,50 - 149,50 66,30 pickers/day Despite these obstacles, the opportunity exists to • Current dependency of the association on aid Dardania Pilot Project would grow from six with the Total income/month/ create a more systemized and formal method of organizations and donors waste bank up to 27 with a social enterprise, as 100% 130,00 - 230,00 221,01 collector collecting materials through individual collectors. • Lack of legislation in Kosovo regarding social of the recyclables would be available to individual 1 With the WB only 20% of the plastic waste of Dardania will be available for the 6 individual As has already been observed, the sector is growing enterprises collectors. Moreover, one individual collector would collectors. Accordingly, this will be the maximum amount of waste available for each. significantly. For one thing, those involved in it no earn 11 Euros per day with the waste bank versus 27 off in comparison to what they would have earned longer rely only on municipal garbage containers Possible initial financing sources for the scheme Euros with a social enterprise, a monthly income of from selling the materials to the lowest-paying but also collect waste from private businesses. They include: 221 Euros versus 540 Euros (see figure 14). Providing buyers, such as those in Pristina that pay 13 cents per have also begun to purchase the materials collected a significant increase in their monthly income would kilogram. If they were to arrange transportation and and then resell them to scrap processors or mills. • Kosovo Consolidated Budget not only improve the quality of life of the individual sell the waste to a mill, they might be able to get up This shows that the sector is becoming more struc- • The budget from municipal revenues collectors, but would also make it easier to eliminate to 25 cents per kilogram depending on the purity of tured in its operations. This is important since the • Grants from the USAID EMPOWER Private child labor in this sector. If a household can earn the the fraction. In this case scenario, individual collec- aim of the pilot project should be to utilize existing Sector program same amount of money as before with the work of tors could earn more without the waste bank than networks and systems. • Donations only two people instead of four, the incentives to with it. Moreover, the number of jobs lost could be • Available trade capital send their children to school will increase. as many as seven individual collectors because of the Within this premise an alternative scenario is • Loans from international financial institutions waste bank restrictions6. This can be reflected when suggested for the pilot project: At this point it is also important to mention the observing the wealth generated by all individual Furthermore, in figure 14 we present the esti- benefits for the mills since they play a very impor- collectors. In conclusion, the waste bank, as it has The creation of a social enterprise (SE) to manage mated economic impacts of a waste bank tant role in the upgrading of the recycling business been proposed, will not improve the income of indi- the waste bank. The establishment of an associa- managed by the proposed social enterprise. in Kosovo. The mills would benefit from the social vidual collectors currently working in Dardania. tion of informal waste pickers led by the European Estimates based on data extracted from Kosovo enterprise model since they would reduce their costs Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) shows that there Environmental Protection Agency (2009), Ministry by approximately 2 cents per kilogram and would 6.4 alternative Scenario for an Efficient and is an interest within the sector for mutual coopera- of Environment and Spatial Planning (2014), and have a reliable and permanent source of recyclables. Inclusive Recycling Value Chain tion and organization. This provides the opportunity to encourage greater participation within the asso- The inclusion of individual collectors in the manage- ciation. As can be seen with the collection center ment of the waste bank can bring economic advan- supported by ECMI, individual collectors are willing tages to the pilot project. The local recycling market and capable of creating and managing organized is largely dependent on the material collection stage, systems of waste collection. which directly affects the post-collection stage of the process. As we have described in previous A social enterprise owned by the association would sections of this report, individual collectors are the be a sustainable manager for the waste bank project only actors working in the separate collection of and would provide social and economic benefits. Figure 14: recyclable waste. The project would profit from the abundant exper- The Benefits of a Social tise and social knowledge of individual collectors. Enterprise to Manage the The sector has prevailed in the market given that it is It would also provide employment opportunities, Waste Bank the supplier of waste to scrap processors. This is due give individual collectors the opportunity to move Source: Kosovo Environmental Table 10: to the significant levels of expertise possessed by up the value chain and increase their quality of life. Protection Agency (2009), The Economic Impacts on the Furthermore, with institutional help and access to Ministry of Environment and

Individual Collectors 6 If the number given by Green Recycling is correct. It could easily be in the adequate tools and machinery, waste collection Spatial Planning (2014), Interview Source: Prepared by Authors region of 13 individual collectors. efforts (which largely consist of the work of indi- with Valdet (22.06.2016)

60 61 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

Waste Recycle Projects in the World – Case Studies of Successful Practices Including the Ecuador Informal Sector Reciveci is a citizens’ initiative created in 2015 with the objective of promoting inclusive recycling in Indonesia Ecuador. It was started by a group of neighbors from Quito who decided to work together to raise (Raharjo, Slamet. ‘Community-Based Solid Waste Bank Program for Municipal Solid Waste awareness about the importance of recycling and the role of individual collectors in the process. Management Improvement in Indonesia’. International Journal of Environmental Science and About 70% of individual collectors in Ecuador are female from low-income households. As the Development, Vol. 5, No. 2, April 2014) habit of separating at source is not very widespread amongst Ecuadorians, individual collectors have to dig amongst the trash, sort out the recyclables and then sell them to a middleman at very Waste banks in Indonesia can be found in many regions, from the capital Jakarta to small neigh- low prices, resulting in working conditions that are not only impoverishing, but also unhealthy bourhoods in villages. Waste banks in Indonesia are developed exclusively by the local community (ReciVeci, 2016). or neighbourhood, without any private company involvement. The pilot project of this citizens’ initiative, launched in March 2016 in the La Carolina neighbour- Like a regular commercial bank, households or persons can open an account with the nearest hood, was designed to build a recycling culture by creating a bond between the individual collec- local waste bank. Periodically, they make deposits with recyclable materials, which are weighed tors and the residents. Within three months it was able to expand to two more neighbourhoods. and given a certain price value, based on rates previously set between the community and the The role of the organization in this process is to create awareness about recycling through work- waste bank. This value is saved in the waste bank account from which, like a regular bank, people shops held in the neighbourhoods and to reinforce the link between households and individual can withdraw. The basic principles of waste banks remain the same across provinces: collect, save, collectors. Households interested in recycling after attending the workshop can download an app earn, change behavior and enjoy a clean neighbourhood. in order to contact the individual collector in their area directly and arrange the times for the recyclables to be picked up (ReciVeci, 2016). In this system, there are no individual collectors in the neighbourhoods; the individual collectors are found mostly in landfill areas. The neighbourhood or community holds a meeting each week to This organization works on: discuss prices and activities to maintain the cleanliness of the neighbourhood, as well as awareness raising for kids and schools, and the use of recyclable materials in various arts and crafts. • Raising awareness of the advantages of recycling through: o workshops After people transfer their waste to the waste bank, the waste is either processed at the waste bank o mobile apps and passed on to local citizens for use in handicrafts and other products or it is sold as processed o social networks waste. The main idea behind the waste bank is to provide people with small amounts of money • Increasing the amount of recyclable materials available for indvidual that they can withdraw periodically while at the same time contributing to improving their neigh- collectors by encouraging separation at source. bourhood. • Linking the households to their neighbourhood individual collectors. • Improving the working conditions and income of individual collectors. • Strengthening the social organization of individual colletors and boosting their entrepreneurial potential.

Table 11: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Indonesian Waste Bank System Source: Prepared by Authors

62 63 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

Izolimi Plast - Case Study of Recycling Project in Kosovo

Izolimi Plast is one of the biggest companies in the recycling sector in Kosovo, even though it started operations only three years ago under the leadership of Aldan Rama. Aldan Rama is a 27-year-old Kosovar who decided to enter the recycling business after becoming aware while working in his grandparents’ construction company, Izolimi Construct, of the huge amount of construction materials that needed to be imported. Realizing the potential of the recycling business in Kosovo, he started producing thermos-insulation foils used in construction and agriculture, two rapidly growing sectors in Kosovo (Rama, 24.06.2016).

In the three years the company has been active, it has expanded significantly. It started with only the machinery to produce the thermos-insulation foils, meaning that it still needed to buy granulates. The company now produces it own granulates out of used plastic. Izolimi Plast currently employs 36 people, but by the end of the year they plan to expand that number to 66 (Rama, 24.06.2016).

The company’s machinery has a capacity of 300 tons of plastic per month. To reach this capacity, waste sometimes has to be imported. Rama argues that there is enough waste in Kosovo to fulfil the needs of the local market and says that the problem is that the collection system is not reliable. Therefore, he is considering opening his own collection points all over Kosovo to cut out the middlemen and improve the efficiency of the business (Rama, 24.06.2016).

In terms of costs and profits, he pays 18 to 25 cents per kilogram, depending on the type of plastics and the purity of the fractions. These materials are used to produce granulates which he sells at 90 cents per kilogram. Besides the price of the inputs he has to consider the costs involved in the high- energy consumption of his machinery. His price is the highest in the market, but customers, who are mostly locals, prefer him because he offers very good quality and service (Rama, 24.06.2016).

Biggest challenges:

-E- ntry barrier: high price of machinery -U- nreliable supply of waste

Figure 15: ReciVeci Project Source: ReciVeci (2016)

64 65 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Economic Impacts of the Dardania Waste Bank Project

6.5 Data Gaps 6.6 Conclusions and Recommendations a) Partnerships with mills could provide great advantages for both sides. Since mills The conclusions in this chapter are based on a This chapter has analysed the financial sustain- frequently face the problem of unreliable number of assumptions regarding the data on the ability of the proposed pilot project, as well as its waste collection, a reliable source of waste plastics recycling sector. One reason for this was expected economic impacts on the various stake- from the waste bank would be attractive. In the lack of time available to collect primary data, holders involved. Primarily, it was concluded that return, the waste bank could rely on a perma- forcing us to rely on secondary data from previous the involvement of individual collectors is clearly nent buyer that would cover transport costs. reports. As is known, as the number of assumptions crucial for the functioning of the recycling process grows, the accuracy of the model decreases. Precise in Kosovo. However, the proposed scheme would b) USAID is a possible partner since it provides information about costs, profits, margins and other not improve the livelihoods of individual collec- grants to companies that create employ- economic indicators used would have increased the tors in terms of income and strength within the ment through its EMPOWER Private Sector quality of the estimates. However, we believe that value chain. Furthermore, as can be seen from the program7. This type of assistance can be the work done gives a good overview of the impact results, while the involvement of a private company crucial in the establishment of a social enter- that a waste bank operated by a private operator is viable, it would not be particularly profitable and prise. Furthermore, USAID has experience in such as Green Recycling might have. would possibly be unsustainable. Given the various supporting businesses within the recycling economical constraints found in the analysis of the industry in the country (Marku, 22.6.2016). Some of the data gaps and possible future indica- project, alternative scenarios have been proposed. tors for assessing the feasibility and financial sustain- Thus, specific recommendations are outlined: c) Cooperation with ECMI is crucial since the ability of solid waste management in the Dardania organization has invaluable experience in neighbourhood are: 1. Creation of a social enterprise: As mentioned the creation of the association of individual before, the creation of a social enterprise collectors, as well as in training, prevention • Precise information about the waste generated owned by the association of individual collec- of child labor in waste collection, and the in Dardania tors would be a sustainable alternative for creation of a collection center run by indi- • Comparable company data: profit analysis of the management of the waste bank. Not only vidual collectors. A partnership with ECMI other middlemen companies in Pristina would the inclusion of individual collectors would greatly assist the beginning phases of • Industrial data analysis of market share of into a higher position in the value chain bring the creation of a social enterprise to manage middleman and recycling company social benefits, it would also create a more the waste bank by guiding the process. • Detailed costs information from Green economically stable basis for the pilot project. Recycling and S.R.I. 2. Creation of appropriate legislation: The • Change in the amount of clean recyclables Republic of Kosovo is in the process of creating collected legislation for social enterprises. It is important • Change in profit margins of the recycling to advocate for a quicker establishment of the company acting as middleman (with the necessary legislation in order to include the assumption of a stable global market value for association of individual collectors in an insti- recyclables) tutional and legal framework that allows them • Number of individual collectors involved in to climb the value chain. formalized collecting due to successful scaling 3. Provision of support for the association of indi- up vidual collectors: Support for the growth of the • Average monthly income of individual collec- association through institutional assistance in tors involved in the pilot project compared the form of hygiene and safety training, and to average monthly income of individual the provision of equipment and market infor- collectors not involved in the pilot project mation. Such assistance would raise the efficiency of individual collectors. 4. Establishment of partnerships: Current active actors in the recycling scheme in Kosovo

should be considered for partnerships. 7 EMPOWER Private Sector is a program from USAID devoted to job creation since 2014 (Marku, 22.6.2016).

66 67 Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

7 Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

Authors 7.1 Introduction Nathalie Bekdache Antonia Burchard-Levine In assessing the impact of the waste bank pilot Lea Nassif El Ksayer project in the Dardania neighbourhood in Pristina, it is absolutely vital to consider how it will affect the livelihood of the informal sector. It should be carefully examined whether the waste bank will provide benefits to individual collectors and bring improvements to the organizational structure of the waste management sector as well as to society at large. The implementation of the waste bank within a framework that provides the informal sector with organizational capacity that improves their collective bargaining, and thus their remuneration and livelihoods, is at the heart of this analysis.

7.2 Background

7.2.1 Conceptualizing Informality

The notion of informality came to the fore last century and people’s perception of it is continuously evolving. Initially, informality was seen from a dual- istic perspective, differentiating between protected and unprotected labor forms. Subsequently, the structuralist view perceived informality in terms of “cleavages in economic and social composition between formal and informal economies” and considered informality a consequence of uneven Left Page capitalist development (AlSayyad 2004:12). Finally, Waste Collection the legalists viewed informality as a way of escaping Point in Dardania the regulatory hand of the state and carving a place Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer

69 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

in the economy through “survival strategies” outside the informal sector plays within the waste manage- 7.2.5 The Informal Waste Sector in Pristina the formal labor market (AlSayyad 2004:13). ment sector. The informal sector is at the very bottom of the recy- up to 120 euros for 19.76%; and there are no big differ- The term “informality” is often misunderstood, and 7.2.3 Individual Collectors cling value chain in Pristina (Moscoso Teixeira de ences between Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians” (KFOS frequently associated with “negative terms, such as Mendonça 2015:44). Although the informal sector is (SOROS), 2009 in: Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça illegal, unregulated, underground, irregular, disorga- For individual collectors, recyclable waste is a valu- key to the recycling system, it is generally character- 2015:33). With regard to social benefits, nine percent nized, unstable, dark” (Gregson et al., 1999; Kanbur, able resource from which they can recover financial ised by a lack of organization, consistency, efficiency of Egyptians, 41 percent of Roma, and 48 percent of 2009 in: Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:11). The gains (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:18). The and regularization (Urban Research Institute 2015:14). Ashkalis, receive social assistance (Moscoso Teixeira consequences of failing to effectively understand role of individual collecting is often taken on by Recycling operations performed by individual de Mendonça 2015:33). the role of informality can become highly counter- urban poor, who work in precarious and substan- collectors are often interrupted by weather condi- productive and result in the exclusion of some of dard conditions, as well as with a high level of stigma tions or social obligations, and the collecting process Individual collectors suffer from a lack of institu- the already most vulnerable segments of society and discrimination (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça lacks effectiveness because the waste pickers only tional support and proper equipment to conduct (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015). 2015:1). Despite this, it must also be mentioned that collect the materials that have value in the recycling their activities. They often collect materials by hand there are many positive aspect to the informal work market and leave the rest behind. Additionally, a lack and transport it by foot or on non-motorized vehi- 7.2.2 Understanding Informality in the Waste of individual collectors, such as autonomy, flex- of proper equipment for collecting and transporting cles. Individual collectors often travel 20 kilometres Sector ible working hours, relative freedom and indepen- larger quantities renders the whole operation even per day, carrying heavy loads. It is estimated that dence, as well as ease of access (Moscoso Teixeira more inefficient (Urban Research Institute 2015:14). they make an average of 200 euros per month (UBO The informal waste sector is defined as “informal de Mendonça 2015:23). These aspects must be taken Finally, there is a lack of regularization of the informal Consulting 2011). activities of extraction, valorisation, transporting into account when assessing the impact of the waste sector, subjecting individual collectors to substan- and commercialization of recyclable materials into bank pilot project. dard working conditions. Two main actors from the Individual collectors typically engage in the recycling the recycling value chain,” and it is undeniable that informal sector primarily perform recycling activi- sector due to a lack of alternative income-generating it plays a key role in waste management across the 7.2.4 Approaches to Informality in the Waste ties: the scrap processors and individual collectors. opportunities (UBO Consulting, 2011). Lacking quali- globe (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:18). Management Sector While individual collectors perform the collection of fied experience and necessary qualifications, they do scrap materials, scrap processors are at the receiving not have access to the formal job market (Moscoso The Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Conceptually, there are two different scenarios when end and are the main buyers of recyclable materials Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:47). According to an Framework (ISWM) has been developed by Arnold dealing with the informal sector. The first consists from individual collectors (UBO Consulting, 2011). ECMI report, the income of RAE minorities is mainly van de Klundert, Justine Anschutz, and Anne in the “subtraction scenario”, which stipulates that This chapter focuses mainly on the impact of the generated from the collection and sale of recyclable Scheinberg (van de Klundert and Anschutz, 2001 in the informal waste sector should be “restricted or waste bank on individual collectors. waste materials (Urban Research Institute 2015:14). Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015) to establish reduced through prohibitory legislation or monopo- a broader understanding of solid waste manage- lization of recovery activities by the formal sector”. Individual collectors are the most active agents Another matter of concern is the connection ment in order to provide a more comprehensive This scenario usually demonstrates the unsuccessful in the recycling system in Pristina and perform an between the informal sector and child labor. understanding of solid waste management consi- performance of the formal sector in taking on activi- important service to society, and it is members Individual collectors are unable to cover basic dering not only the technical aspects, but also the ties previously reserved to the informal sector, due of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) minority schools costs and sometimes even depend on their social, institutional, legal and political conditions to lack of experience, skill and know-how (Moscoso communities who perform the role of individual children to contribute to the household income that constitute it (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:26). collectors (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:3). (Urban Research Institute 2015). 2015: p.14). The innovative aspect introduced by this RAE communities face a number of social issues, framework is the way it stresses the need to build On the other hand, the “addition scenario” recog- including lack of access to education and employ- It is therefore clear that urgent measures must be on existing waste management systems and its nizes and cooperates “with the informal waste ment, as well as a lack of political representation taken to improve the situation of individual collec- recognition of the key role played by the informal sector through legislation and by including indi- and marginalization, in addition to social stigma tors, not only as a social imperative, but also to sector in the recycling system (Moscoso Teixeira de vidual collectors in municipal planning activities”. and discrimination (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça achieve efficient recycling and waste management. Mendonça 2015:15). The presence of the informal This scenario has demonstrated improvements in 2015:3). The living conditions of RAE minorities tend This chapter is concerned with analyzing how the sector in waste collection presents a number of the recycling system and overall waste management to be marked by marginalization, poverty, substan- waste bank pilot project, as proposed by the GIZ, will benefits to the overall waste system and has been system (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:26). dard working conditions and lack of government affect the livelihoods, working conditions and status accepted and proven to be a positive factor “in support (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015). Most of the individual informal collectors. sustainable and inclusive solid waste management” RAE families live in conditions of extreme poverty: (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:1). In Pristina, it “average monthly income is up to 50 euros for 20% is impossible to neglect the all-too-visible role that of these communities, up to 80 euros for 26.06%, and

70 71 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

7.3 Methodology • The collection center run by generated from collecting recyclables. that could contain plastics. Individual informal ECMI in Fushë Kosovë • Individual informal collectors travel by foot, collectors will have access to any remaining 7.3.1 Desktop Research • Waste collection sites in Fushë Kosovë bicycle, tricycle or motorized tricycle. waste in the black bins. • Reciclimi (Gjilan) • Four out of five individual collectors inter- • When asked about the incentives for individual Preliminary desktop research was conducted prior to • Gjilan Regional Landfill viewed preferred to sell directly to recycling collectors to bring recyclable material to the the trip Kosovo to obtain an understanding of waste companies and avoid going through the collec- waste bank rather than directly to the recycling management in Pristina, specifically regarding the 7.3.4 Limitations tion center or a middleman. They all agreed that factory, it was stated that the incentive would role of the informal sector. Key to the background going through a middleman would decrease be in the form of improved working conditions. research was a master thesis project conducted by The research and methods of data collection their profits. Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça in January 2015. presented a number of limitations. To start with, • The self-declared income of individual collec- 7.4.3 European Center for Minority Issues there was a general lack of data available regarding tors varied from 3 to 5 euros per workday. 7.3.2 In Situ Qualitative Data Collection the informal waste sector in Pristina, preventing • Individual collectors working with their chil- The meeting with ECMI provided some additional a baseline assessment. In addition, the limited dren acknowledged the importance of educa- information on the current situation and livelihood In situ data collection was undertaken in Pristina number of interviews conducted may not serve as tion, but said they could not afford to send their of individual informal collectors. from 19 – 24 June, 2016. a representative sample of the entire population of children to school. individual collectors, although they do provide key • All individual collectors expressed their will- • ECMI works with 60 individual collectors in Face-to-face interviews with individual collectors insights. The ability to interview individual collec- ingness to be employed within a formal- Fushë Kosovë and 100 in Pristina, and avoids were conducted utilizing semi-structured ques- tors was largely dependent on chance encounters ized system and also a willingness to remain working with individual collectors using child tionnaires. Questionnaires were developed in with individual collectors during site visits, with the in the recycling industry, although they labor. collaboration with students from the University of mediation of a translator. expressed concerns about working condi- • Individual collectors’ self-reported income is 4 Pristina. Interviews with individual collectors were tions, salaries, and the loss of social subsidies. euros/day. performed in Albanian by the Pristina students and Finally, it should also be considered that the amount • ECMI aims to create a middleman who can subsequently translated into English. A total of ten of time spent on data collection was insufficient and 7.4.2 Waste Bank Operated by Green Recycling offer a higher price for recyclables compared to informal individual collectors were interviewed that this research could have benefitted from further factories. during the field observation exercises. Additionally, data collection and additional interviews. A visit to the potential location of the waste • ECMI helps turn some of its beneficiaries into an unstructured interview was conducted with the bank pilot project and an interview with Green middlemen who can later buy the recyclables operator of a collection point in Fushë Kosovë. 7.4 Results Recycling shed light on the role of the waste bank, for 18 cents/kilo (the usual sale price is 16 cents/ its mode of operation and most importantly its kilo), compress the recyclables and sell them A number of meetings were held with key stake- The following section provides a sample list of perti- relationship with the individual informal collec- for 21 cents. The collection point collects 10-15 holders through semi-structured interviews. These nent insights and deductions obtained from the tors. From that interview it was deduced that: tons of waste per month. stakeholders include: the municipality, ECMI, Green data collected. • ECMI provides individual collectors with Recycling, Directory of Economic Development of • The waste bank will formalize six individual training in safety and hygiene and helps provide the Gjilan Municipality (including Eco-Higjiena and 7.4.1 Individual Collectors informal collectors who will benefit from tools, equipment, compressing machines and NGO representatives of Gjilan), Reciclimi (Reciclimi protective clothing and receive more efficient motorized transportation. employees and one individual collector), Gerhard Five unstructured interviews were conducted with means of transport. They will be chosen based • Individual collectors express the need for Dummer of the Moser Groups and Eco-Higjiena, individual collectors in Dardania and Fushë Kosovë. on an already established relationship with formalization, equipment, uniforms and access Green Recycling. to recycling companies. 7.3.3 Field Observations • Informal individual collectors generally travel • Green Recycling sees individual informal • Individual collectors want formal jobs, but fear to the same area on a daily basis to collect recy- collectors as unreliable, since they do not work losing social assistance; they would rather lose A number of site visits were undertaken in order to clables. They do not have territories and act on to a fixed schedule and the waste bank requires a job than lose social assistance. contextualize the information gathered. The sites a ‘first come, first served’ basis. a reliable and consistent system. • ECMI aims to become a social enterprise where visited include: • Five individual child collectors were encoun- • Separation will happen at source and waste will profits are reinvested to improve the livelihood tered during our field study, four of them be divided into two bins: one yellow, one black. of individual collectors. It aims to support and • Waste collection sites in Dardania accompanied by their fathers. One 12-year-old The yellow bins containing recyclables will be improve the situation of individual collectors, • The potential location of the child was unaccompanied. kept locked and the black bins will be used for increase their income, support them in starting waste bank within Dardania • All individual collectors interviewed benefitted the remaining waste, such as organic waste, up businesses and offer them access to alterna- from a social subsidy to complement income glass and paper, in addition to unsorted waste tive opportunities.

72 73 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

• ECMI considers their project successful since ruptions in the collection of recyclables, affecting the their willingness to be employed within a formalized ECMI is taking measures to discourage child labor they claim that the amount of materials successful implementation of the recycling chain. In system, but were concerned about working condi- by refusing to work with individual collectors who collected, as well the income of individual order to integrate the informal sector into the recy- tions and the potential loss of their social subsidy. use child labor. The manager of the waste bank pilot collectors, has increased through their inter- cling value chain, reliability and timely collection project will ensure that the individual collectors who vention. need to be ensured. Our meetings with ECMI revealed tensions between engage in a formal relationship with the waste bank a desire to formalize and a desire to continue will not use child labor. 7.5 Discussion Based on interviews with stakeholders involved in receiving social assistance. Individual collectors the pilot project, initiatives are being carried out would rather lose a job than lose social assistance. 7.5.5 Stakeholder Analysis 7.5.1 Individual Collectors and Working to improve the working conditions and livelihoods When providing formal employment, it is clear that Conditions of individual collectors. ECMI works with the RAE individual collectors need to earn more than they do The waste bank pilot project involves multiple stake- minority groups and seeks to support the informal when simply receiving social assistance. holders, each with different interests and concerns. Individual collectors often operate in unsafe working sector through a number of strategic interventions, This section aims to conduct a stakeholder analysis conditions and there is much room for improvement. including providing individual informal collectors According to the meeting with the manager of the from the perspective of the informal sector. One of the major challenges faced by individual with training in safety and hygiene, and providing waste bank pilot project, the project aims to formalize collectors is transportation. According to the UBO tools and equipment to facilitate their work. ECMI six individual informal collectors. Formalized indi- Waste producers such as households and businesses Consulting (2011), individual collectors travel about also directs some of its efforts toward the entire vidual collectors will benefit from improved working play a key role in supporting the work of the informal 20 kilometres each day. Individual collectors lack recycle chain, supporting individual collectors’ live- conditions and protective clothing and will poten- waste sector by ensuring payment of the waste fee, the proper equipment to transport their waste and lihoods through the establishment of a middleman tially receive more efficient modes of transport. The as well as by separating the waste at source to facili- also have to travel large distances between the loca- who pays them a higher price for recyclable mate- six individual collectors will be chosen based on an tate the work of individual collectors. tions in which they collect the waste and the facto- rials than the factories, though this may prove diffi- already established relationship with Green Recycle. ries where they sell it. An example of good practice cult since the price of recyclables is subject to market Although this measure will be highly beneficial to The municipality should ensure that the waste is the way Reciclimi, the recycling company in Gjilan, forces. the six individual collectors employed through the management sector adheres to certain standards, is addressing this issue. Reciclimi offers individual project, it will ultimately exclude other individual such as basic working standards for individual collec- collectors a pick-up service using their truck, as well 7.5.2 Income collectors working in the area. The impact on six tors and the eradication of child labor. A collabora- as large white bags to facilitate the transportation of individual collectors, compared to the total number tive organizational structure between the munici- recyclables. There is a rather large discrepancy between the of individual collectors operating in the area, may pality and the informal sector needs to be put in income declared by individual collectors and the not be sufficient to justify the pilot project. place to benefit both parties. Individual collectors mainly collect items that have amount that recycling companies estimate they a market value and that they can sell to recycling make. While interviewees declared earnings of about 7.5.4 Child Labor and Education NGOs such as ECMI have a key role in supporting the factories, and sometimes collect items such as food, 3 to 4 euros a day per individual waste picker, 15 to informal sector and ensuring that their voices and clothes and shoes for personal use. According to 20 euros per week and 10 to 12 euros a day for an Child labor is a major concern when discussing the opinions are heard. They also play a role in providing the data collected, there seem to be no territorial extended family cluster, the recycling company in informal waste sector in Kosovo. A high prevalence them with training and equipment to facilitate their disputes or conflicts among individual collectors Gjilan estimated that individual collectors make of child labor was observed during visits to Dardania work and help increase their income. ECMI aims to operating in a given area. One interviewee even an average of 20 euros a day. Individual collectors and Fushë Kosovë and the regional landfill in Gjilan. foster a social enterprise where the profits are rein- mentioned that it is not uncommon for individual declare lower earnings in order to avoid taxation Children take part in collecting recyclables as a way vested for the benefit of individual collectors. collectors to help each other out, for example in and due to the fear of losing their social subsidies. of supplementing the household income. carrying the loads. Generally, all individual collectors interviewed bene- The private sector, including recycling companies, fitted from a social subsidy to complement income When the question regarding child labor was essentially rely on the work of individual collectors. The number of hours of work per day varies among generated from collecting recyclables. brought up during interviews with individual collec- Therefore, they need to ensure that individual collec- interviewees. The group of individual collectors tors, they all acknowledged the importance of tors get fair remuneration for their work, as well as interviewed in Fushë Kosovë stated that they worked 7.5.3 employment and Formalization education, but most could not afford to send their improved conditions. on average from 4 am to 6 pm. According to UBO children to school. A subject mentioned that he will Consulting (2011), individual collectors collect Individual collectors stated that they would be in difficulty when his child turns six, since he will for about 7 to 8 hours daily. Most interviewees continue to work as recyclables collectors, since likely not be able to afford the notebooks the child mentioned that weather conditions affect their liveli- they have sufficient experience and know-how, but needs for school. Measures need to be taken in order hood, since they do not work on rainy days or when also expressed the need for a stable income and to improve school attendance by RAE youth and the weather is too hot. As a result, this creates inter- improved working conditions. They also expressed prevent child labor in the waste sector.

74 75 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

7.5.8 Concerns Regarding the Implementation In addition, it is not clear what gains the informal Stakeholder Area Agenda or Mandate Relationship to other Stakeholders of the Waste Bank sector will receive from formalization. If formaliza- Play a key role in supporting the work of the informal waste sector tion simply means placing six individuals under the Support effective waste collection by ensuring payment of the waste Household and Businesses Producers of waste It remains unclear how the waste bank will benefit supervision of one middleman, without any real system fee, as well as by separating waste at source to facilitate the work of individual collectors. It was revealed that waste would enhancement of their livelihoods, the social benefits individual collectors be discarded into two different colored public bins: to the informal sector are mere window-dressing and Ensure the waste management A collaborative organizational sector adheres to standards, yellow bins for sorted recyclables at household level, a means for the private sector to increase its profits. structure between the municipality Municipality Ensure adherance to basic standards such as basic working standards and informal sector needs to be put to be kept locked, thus preventing informal collec- for individual collectors, and the in place to benefit both parties. eradication of child labor. tors from accessing it; and black bins for all other 7.6 Recommendations Support the informal sector and waste, which will be accessible to individual collec- ensure that their voices and opinions ECMI aims to foster a social enterprise tors. However, the waste bank seeks to employ just In order to improve working conditions, enhance Support informal sector and are heard, and provide them with NGOs (ie. ECMI) where the profits are reinvested for individual collectors training and equipment to facilitate the benefit of individual collectors. six individual collectors out of a total of 20 waste collective bargaining capacity and reformulate their work and help increase their income. pickers whose livelihoods depend on waste picking. socio-cultural perceptions of individual collectors Need to ensure that individual Employees of the waste bank will collect recy- operating in the recycling chain, a number of poten- Business structure relies on work collectors get fair remuneration Private Sector Profit-seeking clables utilizing a truck. Recyclables received from tial actions and initiatives are suggested. performed by individual collectors. for their work, as well as improved conditions. households will be obtained at no cost and those

The analysis is based on Capacity WORKS tools (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (2008): Capacity WORKS. received from individual collectors will be bought by a) Support association of individual collectors: Das Managementmodell fur Nachhaltige Entwicklung. Eschborn.) middlemen in the Dardania area for 15 cents per ton, Support, foster and incentivize individual which is below the market value of 16 cents per ton. collectors to form associations to improve their 7.5.6 the Impact of the Waste Bank Pilot Project that are complementary to the municipality’s (ECMI meeting on June 23, 2016.) collective bargaining capacity and defend duties. However, they are seen as adversarial and their interests. During the meeting with representatives admin- often perceived in a negative light by society at This scenario is problematic as it may eradicate b) Ensure better working conditions for indi- istering the waste bank pilot project, the question large. the informal sector and increase the profits of the vidual collectors by setting standards that of incentives for individual collectors to bring recy- middlemen. With households sorting at home and improve their working conditions and ensure clable material to the waste bank rather than directly The informal sector performs valuable economic discarding waste in locked bins, it is projected (by that they have access to health insurance, to the recycling factory came up. It was mentioned and environmental services. Economically, the Green Recycle/Valdet) that 80% of recyclables will as well as access to better equipment that that an attempt would be made to provide improved waste collectors reduce the quantity of waste be in the yellow bins and thus off limits to individual allows them to collect more recyclables. They and more dignified working conditions for indi- being diverted to landfill, thus decreasing land- collectors. Access to the remaining recyclables in the should also be provided with training in health vidual collectors. However, it seems that individual fill fees for publicly owned enterprises along with black bins will be limited to the six individual collec- and hygiene, as well as protective clothing. collectors are willing to go the extra mile in order to waste collection duty and transportation costs. tors employed by the waste bank with no guarantee Mechanisms to control child labor should also sell directly to the factories and so maximize their Additionally, they perform recycling with no cost of leftover recyclables, thereby compromising the be established, as well as formal agreements income, so, the waste bank pilot project needs to to the municipality. In adition, individual collectors livelihood of the remaining individual collectors in to ensure consistent access to work. Efforts Table 12: provide sufficient incentives for individuals in order create income-generating opportunities for them- Dardania. While sorting at the source is recommended should also be made to achieve a gradual and Stakeholder Analysis of the to ensure its success. selves as society fails to provide them with employ- by the project, we believe waste collection should incremental formalization of individual collec- Implications for the Livelihood ment opportunities. Finally, the private sector capi- remain the responsibility of individual collectors. tors in which benefits outweigh losses (such of the Informal Sector of Based on current information, it is unclear whether talizes on their activities by setting up recycling as independence, self-established working Implementing a Waste Bank the waste bank will provide sufficient benefits to businesses with access to material at low cost. There are tensions between the provision of a reli- conditions etc.). Pilot Project in the Dardania the informal sector. It is evident that it will improve able service to the residents of Pristina and ensuring c) Empower the informal sector: Considering its Neighbourhood in Pristina conditions for a select few individual collectors, but Individual collectors in Kosovo also benefit the the livelihoods of individual collectors. Therefore the relationship with the informal sector in Pristina, Source: Self-elaborated Based there is no indication that it will bring benefits to the environment as their recycling activities reduce the main reason given for formalizing six individual collec- NGOs such as ECMI should play an active on Capacity WORKS Tools entire informal sector. amount of waste being diverted to landfill and the tors is the need to provide predictable and consistent part in propelling initiatives that empower (Deutsche Gesellschaft für environment, and permit the re-use of materials. waste collection. This necessarily requires rethinking the informal sector, in order to improve their Technische Zusammenarbeit 7.5.7 Unrecognized Benefits of the Informal In addition, their work contributes to the lowering how recyclables are moved from the households to bargaining power. (GTZ) GmbH (2008): Capacity Sector of pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions the bins and how to avoid restricting the benefits of • Improve the collective bargaining power of WORKS. Das Managementmodell created through waste management activities the project to just six formalized individual collectors the informal sector by granting them polit- für Nachhaltige Individual collectors are the core of the recycling (Scheinberg et al., 2011 in: Moscoso Teixeira de at the expense of the others. ical representation. Entwicklung. Eschborn.) value chain in Pristina and perform recycling services Mendonça 2015).

76 77 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Implications for the Livelihood of the Informal Sector of Implementing a Waste Bank Pilot Project in the Dardania Neighbourhood in Pristina

• Provide up-to-date and reliable informa- 5. Number of individual collectors operating ille- 7.7 Conclusion tion on prices of recyclable materials, as gally at the landfill will decrease by XX% by well as rights and legislations concerning 201X. The inclusion and recognition of the informal sector in the informal sector 6. Increase in the percentage of individual the recycling and waste sector is of vital importance. • Establish a platform in which individual collectors benefitting from formalization with According to the ISWM, an effective initiative should collectors can discuss issues pertaining to respect to the total (X) number of RAE commu- build on the existing waste management systems their livelihood and raise their voices on the nity members involved in waste collection and give the informal sector a key role in the overall issues that affect them. sector in Pristina by XX% by 201X. system (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:15). d) Reframe the socio-cultural image of the 7. Increase in the number of individual collectors Furthermore, it would be wise to adopt the “addi- informal sector and RAE minorities: ECMI and equipped with knowledge and mechanisms to tion scenario”, which recognizes and cooperates with other relevant NGOs and institutions can play improve their bargaining capacity through the the informal sector rather than trying to eradicate it an active role towards reframing and reformu- measures in the pilot project by XX% by 201X. (Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça 2015:26). The benefits lating the negative socio-cultural perception 8. Number of individuals who attended training of the “addition scenario” would be twofold. First, it of individual collectors in society. A recom- in negotiation and collective bargaining as would result in improvements in the waste manage- mended strategy is to conduct visibility and percentage of total waste collectors. ment and recycling sector in Pristina. Second, inte- marketing campaigns aimed at changing 9. Number of individuals who attended health grating a larger portion of the informal sector and how the general population views individ- training as percentage of total waste collec- recognizing its key role in the recycling chain in Pristina uals taking part in the informal waste sector. tors. can also address some deep-rooted social problems. 10. Number of individuals who attended training Therefore the existing discussion by ECMI on a sustain- 7.6.1 Recommended Indicators in work safety as percentage of total waste able alternative to the waste bank pilot project, whereby collectors. the creation of a social enterprise owned, managed and The following indicators are proposed to monitor the 11. Number of individuals who attended training operated by the informal sector, including a greater impact of the pilot project. The following indicators in civil rights as percentage of total waste portion of it, needs to be supplemented with a legal should be measured at the beginning of the project collectors. framework that can draw on the experience of the pilot as a baseline (a control group involved in waste 12. Number of individual collectors forming part project and flow into the design and establishment of collection but not beneficiaries of the program can of an organization or association in the sector a social enterprise at a later stage. This would not only also be used to measure these indicators initially), of waste management in Pristina/ Fushë ensure the sustainability and efficient functioning of the then again some time after implementation in order Kosovë as percentage of total waste collectors. waste bank in Dardania, but would also ensure overall to measure its impacts: 13. Percentage of individual collectors repre- improvements in the recycling and waste sector of the sented in waste management discussions with area, and also bring about a number of important socio- 1. The change in monthly income and earnings municipality in the project steering committee economic benefits. of individual collectors who are beneficiaries meetings with municipality and private sector. of the project will increase by XX% by 201X. 14. Presence of campaigns that positively high- 2. The change in percentage of RAE children light role of individual collectors in Pristina. attending school whose families are involved 15. Increase in positive perceptions of society in waste collection and are beneficiaries of the regarding RAE minorities and individual pilot project in Pristina from XX% to XX% by collectors through the awareness raising 201X. measures in the pilot project in Dardania/ 3. The change in percentage of RAE children Pristina from XX% to XX% by 201X. performing work in the waste sector in Pristina at the pilot project site in Dardania/Pristina from XX% to XX% by 201X. 4. The change in percentage of individual collectors who are beneficiaries of the pilot project in Pristina with access to health care and other social benefits from XX% to XX% by 201X.

78 79 Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

8 Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

Authors 8.1 Introduction Weng Ian (Anna) Au Amar Kulkarni Municipal waste management remains one of the Jorge Mariano Rossi predicaments of urbanization for cities. Continuous Samuel Dordowa Benya Senesie population growth means that more waste is being generated, at a rate which overwhelms the capacities of municipalities. An efficient municipal waste management system requires reliable data on the waste situation:

1. To supply information on environmental problems in order to enable policy- makers to evaluate their severity 2. To support policy development and priority setting by identifying key factors that put pressure on the environment 3. To monitor the effects of policy responses. (Smeets et al., 1999: 5)

Since the quantity and composition of waste play a determinant role in deciding waste treatment methods and the allocation of resources, the acqui- sition of data on composition and quantity is a key component of an effective waste management system. In general, after various types of waste, e.g. organic, plastic, paper/cardboard, glass, etc., are generated in various amounts, they are categorised for further treatment or landfilling. Whether or not recycling is feasible and efficient depends on the amount of recyclables generated. Left Page Plastic Waste Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer

81 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

This chapter discusses, analyses and makes recom- • To analyse the impact of the waste 2. Municipality of Pristina: a local government Equipped with a small but useful amount of qualita- mendations to improve the municipal waste data bank project on the waste data system. institution established by an act of parliament. tive and quantitative data, as well as their own obser- and monitoring/reporting system in Pristina, with Among other responsibilities, the municipality vations made during visits to the stakeholders, the the aim of enhancing the waste management infra- The authors understand that these goals require is required to set up a waste management authors were able to discuss in detail the current structure of the municipality through the implemen- inputs to present a solid base for the conception system, including the development of a waste waste data collection situation. tation of the Waste Bank Pilot Project. It starts with of other aspects of the Waste Bank Pilot Project. management plan It is important to point out that data from various a summary of the legal and regulatory framework, Achieving these objectives allows the waste issue to 3. KLMC: a public body responsible for the years are used due to the insufficient current data followed by an overview of the current waste data be addressed with useful waste data about Dardania. management of sanitary landfills in Kosovo; available at the time of the field trip. Despite this statistics (i.e. waste generation, composition and 4. Pastrimi: a public entity responsible for seemingly inconsistent use of data, this chapter fraction), methods of waste treatment/management 8.3 Methods collecting waste and transporting it to sani- can help elaborate the waste management situa- (e.g. landfilling and recycling), and the waste moni- tary landfills. Pastrimi is also involved in identi- tion in Kosovo in general and at municipality level in toring/reporting system. Desktop research and field investigation were fying and cleaning up illegal dump sites Pristina. adopted as the main approaches in this study. This 5. Izolimi: a private company that focuses mainly 8.2 aims and Approach involved the collection of both quantitative and qual- on the recycling of plastic waste into finished 8.4 Framework for Waste Management itative data through literature review, conducting or semi-finished products Developing a good system for municipal waste data structured interviews, taking field notes, and obser- 6. Green Art Centre: a non-governmental orga- The most recent census in Kosovo, carried out collection and waste monitoring/reporting depends vations. All of these were then used to formulate the nization that works on environmental issues in 2011, showed the population of Pristina to be on the intended use of data. This requires setting contents of this chapter. through awareness raising and capacity 198,897 inhabitants (Kosovo Agency of Statistics, clear targets on the type of data to be collected and The desktop study research, which was initiated in building 2013: 55). Since the overall population of Kosovo the methods of collection, and also requires identi- Berlin prior to the visit to Pristina, involved the iden- 7. Individual collectors: workers in the informal was expected to grow over the following the years, fying the challenges encountered during the collec- tification and compilation of a list of stakeholders sector who collect valuable recyclable mate- it can be assumed that the population of Pristina tion process. which could be sources of waste data in Pristina. rials either from private homes or waste has also increased. Assuming that waste genera- In the Pristina project context, the following were The stakeholders identified were the following: collection points and sell them directly to the tion per capita is constant, the total amount of set as objectives in the discussion of waste data: recycling companies or through middlemen. waste generated grows as the population increases. 1. Ministry of the Environment and Although the current framework not only provides • To analyse the waste composition and volume Spatial Planning (MESP) Interviews conducted and information obtained regulations, instructions and guidelines for dealing to be managed 2. Kosovo Environmental were based on questionnaires designed with the with municipal waste, but also for hazardous waste • To identify which waste should be collected Protection Agency (KEPA) assistance of GIZ staff. Using these questionnaires, and the industrial use of chemicals, the focus of this separately 3. Municipalities the authors conducted semi-structured interviews chapter is on municipal solid waste. • To describe, analyse and suggest ways to 4. Kosovo Landfill Management to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from improve the current waste data collection Company (KLMC) the stakeholders who either provided answers to reporting and monitoring system in Pristina 5. Regional public companies for waste the questions during the interview or supplied the 6. Recycling companies authors with relevant documents afterwards. 7. Importers and exporters of waste 8. Households (waste producers) 9. Individual collectors

However, the short stay in Pristina did not allow the authors sufficient time to visit and interview all of the aforementioned stakeholders. The following are the stakeholders interviewed: Figure 17: Interview with Individual 1. KEPA: the national environmental regulatory Collectors agency responsible for waste data processing Photo: Amar Kulkarni Figure 16: as well as monitoring, reporting and informa- Figure 18: A Site in Dardania tion management on the waste issue A Waste Container Photo: Amar Kulkarni Photo: Amar Kulkarni

82 83 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

8.4.1 Law on Waste in the development stages (KEPA, 2014: 12). Serial Stakeholders Status Responsibility Available Data Reporting to According to Krasniqi (2010), the Pristina municipal Waste composition At national level, the Law on Waste No. 04/L-060 is waste management plan entails immediate, medium waste analyses for Establishment and Reports to KEPA, Pristina Municipal Pristina the legal backbone of the regulations which support and long term strategies for improving waste development of waste Ministry of Environment 1 Assembly in conducted at three management system/ and Spatial Planning proper waste management in Kosovo. The aim of the management with the aim of minimizing the adverse Collaboration with GIZ different periods plan (MESP) Law on Waste is to: effects of waste on the environment. The main goal between October 2009 to March 2011 Prevent and reduce as much as possible the genera- of the action plan is to reduce the amount of waste Quantity of Waste tion of waste, promote the reuse of used components deposited in landfill by promoting waste recycling as collected for Pristina and other Regions in from waste, sustainable development through protec- well as the reduction of waste generation (Krasniqi, Kosovo from 2008 – 2012 Coordinating body Quantity of waste tion and preservation of human resources, prevention 2010).The action plan details a list of activities to be for data collection Kosovo Environmental disposed in Kosovo and processing in the of negative effects of waste on the environment and undertaken and the expected outcomes of these 2 Protection Agency landfills from 2009 Reports to the MESP waste sector; develop (KEPA) to 2013 on human health, and the final storage of waste in an activities, as well as the indicators and means of veri- Public body and maintaining waste Waste fractions in information system environmentally acceptably manner (KEPA, 2014: 10). fication. Kosovo for 2012 Types of waste generated in Kosovo 8.4.2 Strategy for Waste Management of the 8.5 Waste Data Collection System in Pristina for 2008 Quantity of waste republic of Kosovo Kosovo Landfill Management of solid received in Pristina and 3 Management Company Reports to KEPA In this section, the current waste data collection waste sanitary landfills other regional landfills (KLMC) With the Law on Waste as its legal basis, the Ministry system in Kosovo is explained. The stakeholders from 2012 to 2015 Municipal waste Reports to the Municipal of the Environment and Spatial Planning published involved and the methods used in this process are collection services Amount of waste Assembly and shares 4 Pastrimi and transportation of collected within Pristina the “Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo on Waste therefore the main focus. In order to analyse the data to KEPA through collected waste to the for 2015 the board of directors Management” in 2012 to align the country with system, EU standards and existing literatures are sanitary landfills European Union legislation on waste management used. Working to increase public awareness and Data on recyclables for (European Union, 2012; MESP, 2012). In addition, the The collection of adequate and usable data is required 5 Green Art Centre NGO implementation of N/A Pristina and Kosovo difficulty of achieving comprehensive and accurate to generate reliable information. This is the only way projects related to the data on waste (as also experienced by the authors to establish indicators that “supply information, environment (Private milling Amount of waste Currently Izolimi is not of this chapter during their stay in Pristina) was support policy development and priority settings or companies) engaging recycled by company; 6 IZOLIMI Private Company reporting to KEPA or any mainly in the recycling market data of addressed in the “Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo monitor the effect of policy responses” (European other stakeholders of plastic waste recyclables for 2015 on Waste Management” of MESP (2012). Commission and Eurostat, 2013: 9). However, the implementation of comprehensive, accurate and 8.5.1 Waste Data Reporting/Monitoring System 8.5.2 the Stakeholders 8.4.3 National Waste Management Plan effective data collection is always a challenge. The in Kosovo 2013 – 2017 case of Kosovo, unfortunately, is no exception. KEPA is the national institution responsible for the An analysis of waste data collection and data publication of the “The State of Waste and Chemicals This five-year plan aims at improving the current Though Kosovo is not yet a member state of the processing, not only at national level, but also at Report”. It functions as a coordinating body which waste management situation and its effects on the European Union, it is working towards this goal. For municipality level (e.g., Pristina), is crucial in under- requests data from other stakeholders. In other words, environment and human health by reinforcing the this reason, improving waste statistics is a way of standing the current situation and determining a KEPA rarely produces its own primary data. In addi- waste management system, increasing spending reducing the gap between Kosovo’s status quo and EU proper waste management policy for the future. tion, some stakeholders that do generate primary data on associated infrastructure and raising awareness standards. According to Article 3 of “Waste Statistics A complex system with several stakeholders (local governments, regional waste companies, landfill (KEPA, 2014). Regulation” (Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002) promul- engaged in different roles is observed. Moreover, this administration companies such as KLMC, NGOs, recy- gated by EU (2012), data collection should be carried system does not function as one coordinated body, cling companies, international institutions such as the 8.4.4 Local Level out for both waste generation and waste treatment. meaning that the actors operate according to their World Bank (WB) and GIZ), report only sporadically. The following areas should therefore be covered own interests and only data beneficial to them are As a result, most waste data are collected from the At local level, municipalities should devise local by EU member states in terms of data collection: under consideration. During the authors’ research, waste treatment sector. This manifests a lack of system- Table 13: waste management action plans in line with the Law it was discovered that an efficient and effective atic collection of data on waste generation despite the Summary of the Status of on Waste (KEPA, 2014: 12). Up until now, 14 municipal- • Statistics on waste generation formal reporting/monitoring system was not yet in fact that studies have indicated a link between genera- Waste Data Collection and ities have their own action plan in place (KEPA, 2014: • Statistics on waste treatment place. Instead, an informal system was observed. The tion and treatment. Among these studies were KEPA’s Reporting/Monitoring of Six 12), including the site of study, Pristina (Krasniqi, • Data on treatment infrastructure and coverage following paragraphs describe this system. “The State of Waste and Chemicals Report” and GIZ’s Stakeholders 2012), while the plans of four other municipalities are of the waste collection scheme. “Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Pristina – Kosovo”. Source: Prepared by Authors

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8.5.3 reliable Sources of Waste Data 8.6 Data on Waste Generation, Composition • Household waste: refers to waste (mostly solid) sometimes hazardous waste. The amount and type of and Fraction that is generated within the home through household waste generated varies largely between Data obtained from KLMC and Pastrimi are more domestic activities and consists largely of different neighbourhoods due to such factors as systematic and comprehensive since these two An understanding of sources, types, compo- garbage population make-up, population density, education stakeholders keep records of their waste data on sitions and fractions of waste is required for • Commercial waste: waste generated through level, income level, etc. a regular basis: KLMC produces monthly reports a more thorough analysis at a later stage. business and income generating activities; on waste to KEPA, while Pastrimi keeps account KEPA (2014) divided waste in Kosovo into the • Construction waste: waste produced through According to the data obtained, the average amount of of the amount of municipal waste collected following types: building or demolition works waste generated by the inhabitants of Pristina in 2012 through the receipts issued by Mirash Landfill. • Ash and grime: waste produced as a result of was estimated to be 1.4 kg/capita/day, which super- burning and seded the average of 0.9 kg/capita/day for Kosovo The importance of data collection is mentioned at • Other waste: refers to waste categories not inhabitants in general. It was also observed that there the beginning of this section and the task demands mentioned above that include but are not was an increase from 0.3 kg/capita/day in 2008 to 1.4 a considerable amount of effort and resources, which limited to animal, medical and hazardous waste. kg/capita/day in 2012 in Pristina (KEPA, 2014) (KEPA, explains the lack of data on local waste genera- 2014). Pristina is one of few big cities in Kosovo, which tion. Some actors, like GIZ and GreenArt Centre, The focus is on household waste and commercial might explain the higher level of waste generation. which have developed useful tools for obtaining waste, which account for 18% and 12% respectively A waste fraction analysis carried out by the Urban data through research on waste fraction and recy- of waste in Kosovo (KEPA, 2014: 25). Research Institute Tirana and GIZ (2015) shows that the clables, are the main sources of Kosovo’s official data 20,000 inhabitants of Dardania generated 19,000 kg on waste generation. The remainder are collected 8.6.1 Household Waste Generation, of waste daily, meaning that their average daily waste from or reported by other recycling companies. Composition and Fraction Amount generation of 0.9 kg/capita/day was the same as the To summarize, figure 20 shows the identified waste national average. data collection system in Pristina. Household waste, also known as domestic or residential waste, refers to waste generated by indi- A composition analysis of household waste for viduals within their habitats. In general, household Dardania was conducted by GIZ (2011) over three waste consists of a mixture of organic, recyclable and different periods between October 2009 and March 2011. The result as presented in table 14 shows that the waste generated in Dardania consti- tuted 40.87% organic waste and 38% recyclable waste. The main fractions of recyclable waste were paper/cardboard, plastic and glass, in propor- tions of 12.83%, 14.87%, and 4.45% respectively.

Figure 21: Plastic Waste in a Waste Waste Composition Average Percentage Weight Container in Dardania

Organic 40.87% Photo: Amar Kulkarni Wood 1.17% Figure 22: Paper and Cardboard 12.83% Unseparated Waste in a Waste Plastics 14.78% Container in Dardania Figure 19: Glass 4.45% Photo: Amar Kulkarni Interview with KLMC Textiles 3.50% Table 14: Photo: Samuel Dordowa Metals 1.18% Composition Average of Benya Senesie Hazardous Waste 0.35% Household Waste in Pristina Figure 20: Complex Products 4.03% in 2011 Identified Waste Data Collection Inert 7.22% Source: Deutsche Gesellschaft System in Pristina Other Categories 7.58% für Internationale Source: Prepared by Authors Fines < 10 mm 2.04% Zusammenarbeit (GmbH), 2011

86 87 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

Group members: Weng Ian (Anna) Au, Amar Kulkarni, Mariano Rossi, Samuel Dordowa Benya Senesie

(arranged by alphabetic order of surnames)

Figure 4.3: Plastic Waste Composition (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Iternationale Zusammenarbeit (GmbH), 2011)

CollectedCollected Waste Waste Quantity Quantity in inKosovo Kosovo PlasticPlastic Waste Composition Composition 8.6.2 Data on Waste Collection and Disposal the operation has as a secondary consequence the 700 18,00% reclamation of substances or energy” (European 600 16,00% Pastrimi, the main actor in waste collection in Commission and Eurostat, 2013: 30–31).

14,00% 500 Pristina, is a public enterprise which reports to the 12,00% municipality of Pristina. Pastrimi carries out waste As presented in the waste flow chart (figure 29) for 400 352 352 10,00% 293 8,00% collection in two ways before transporting the Pristina, the flow of waste consists of waste genera- Waste300 Data Collection,187 Monitoring and Reporting System Other Kosovo regions

153 Percentage 6,00% waste to Mirash Landfill: 1) door-to-door collection; tion/production, then collection, transportation Pristina region 200

Group ton 1,000 / capita members: Weng Ian (Anna) Au, Amar Kulkarni, Mariano Rossi, Samuel Dordowa Benya Senesie4,00% and 2) collection from collection points across the and treatment (landfilling and recycling). Recycled 218 222 230 248 2,00% municipality. Because of the lack of waste treatment waste is then processed into useful materials. For (arranged100 by198 alphabetic order of surnames) 0,00% facilities at the landfill site, Pastrimi does not accept example, plastics are recycled and converted into 0 Average March_April 2011 July 2010 October 2009 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 animal, medical or construction waste. plastic granules for use in the production of plas- Figure 4.2: Percentage of Organics in Waste (GIZ GmbH, 2011) Composition (% weight) Year tics products. Landfilling and recycling are the two Percentage of of Organics Organics in Waste in Waste During the visit and interview with Pastrimi (2016), main waste treatment methods in Pristina. The treat- 50,0% 47,4% the company exhibited good data collection and ment of paper, plastics, metals, batteries, aluminium

45,0% 40,9% 41,7% management practice and a good reporting system. cans, tires, waste oil, etc. is carried out by the private 40,0% Waste trucks are weighed before and after unloading sector. If recycling or processing facilities are not 33,5% 35,0% at the landfill. The amount of waste collected can thus available locally, the collected waste is compacted 30,0% 25,0% be obtained. By keeping account of the receipts that and transported outside of Pristina for treatment. 20,0% the waste truck drivers receive from the landfill site According to KEPA (2014), 45% of waste in Kosovo Percentage 15,0% in Pristina on which the amount of waste deposited is recyclable, whereas the figure for Pristina is 38%. 10,0% is stated, Pastrimi systematically collects data on a 5,0% 0,0% daily basis. Pastrimi then reports to Pristina Municipal 8.6.3.1 Landfilling in Pristina Average March_April 2011 July 2010 October 2009 Assembly and shares their report with KEPA. Composition (% weight) Although Pastrimi is the main actor in waste collec- 8.6.3.2 Legal Landfill

tion in Pristina, private operators and individual Although metal waste was one of the main fractions of opment stages and proneness to different activities collectors are also involved. Obtaining data from KLMC operates sanitary landfills in Kosovo. It accepts recyclable waste in Kosovo, relevant data for Dardania during different times of the year, etc. For example, these actors is identified as a gap because their household waste and construction waste etc. was not available. seasonal differences in amounts of organic waste are involvement is either private or informal. Construction waste is used as a layer to cover other observed (figure 24). This could be due to a higher waste in the landfill. No separation is performed on In figure 23, a graph of waste collected per capita level of consumption of fruit and vegetables in hot 8.6.3 Waste Treatment in Pristina site by KLMC. However, due to the nature of different is shown. Though the level of waste collected per weather compared to in cold weather. Similarly, industries, the types of waste delivered tend to take capita in all other Kosovo regions combined between differences in the amount of plastic waste (figure According to the “Manual on Waste Statistics – A on different specificities. A gate fee of 6 Euros/entry is 2010 and 2012 is higher than that of Pristina, Pristina, 25) from packaging could also be related to varying Handbook for Data Collection on Waste Generation charged in addition to a fee of 5.7 Euros/ton of waste just one city, still accounted for roughly 40% of the seasonal consumption of cooling drinks and food and Treatment” of the European Commission and upon receipt. This helps cover the overall operational Figure 23: total waste collected in Kosovo. Assuming that (GIZ GmbH, 2011). Eurostat (2013: 30–31), waste treatment is “the costs (KLMC, 2016). KLMC reports to KEPA. Collected Waste Quantity waste generated is directly proportionate to waste generic term for all recovery and disposal opera- Source: KEPA, 2014: 23 collected, it could be deduced that Pristina gene- It is important to note that research, surveys and tions” of waste; recovery is the “result of which is Figure 24: rates a relatively very high, if not the highest, amount other projects related to waste management are waste serving a useful purpose by replacing other Percentage of Organics in of waste per capita in Kosovo. Moreover, a positive not carried out consistently in the same years by materials which would otherwise have been used to Waste growth was found in the year-on-year changes. NGOs, government agencies, private companies, etc. fulfil a particular function, or waste being prepared Source: GIZ GmbH, 2011 Thus, data has been compiled from different years. to fulfil that function, in the plant or in the wider Figure 25: 8.6.1.1 Fluctuations in Waste Amount Therefore, changes in waste generation can be anti- economy”. It also should be mentioned that recy- Percentage of Plastics in Waste cipated according to the specific time of year. cling is “a subset of recovery and means any recovery Source: GIZ GmbH, 2011 Seasonal and monthly variations in waste generation, operation by which waste materials are reprocessed Figure 26: composition and fractions were observed. These into products, materials or substances whether for Figure 27: Interview with Household variations could be a result of differences in type and the original or other purposes”; and disposal means After Interview with Pastrimi Photo: Amar Kulkarni amount of food consumption, different urban devel- “any operation which is not recovery even where Photo: Amar Kulkarni

88 89 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

8.6.3.3 Waste Composition and Quantity in Landfill

95% of the waste fraction sent to the legal landfill, Mirash Landfill, is household waste, while the rest is bulky waste and commercial waste. Landfill contains higher amounts of organic waste; kitchen waste is prominent and accounts for 37% of the total waste in landfill. Also, paper/cardboard and plastic waste make up a considerable amount (KLMC, 2016; SEF-Energietechnik GmbH, 2015: 38).

KEPA (2016) identified all illegal landfills in Kosovo in 2013. Pristina also suffers from illegal waste dumping. According to KEPA (2016), there are currently around 10 bigger illegal landfill sites which occupy between tions of recyclable waste and accounts for just 14.8% 20 and 47 hectares across Pristina. A large percentage of total waste generated in Pristina in 2012. However, (the exact figure is unknown) of the waste disposed little information was obtained from companies of in illegal landfill is construction waste, due to the currently involved in recycling other waste frac- fact that only a small amount is accepted by the legal tions, such as paper, glass and metals. It is therefore landfills. assumed that less than half of the recyclable waste produced in Pristina is recycled. The remainder is 8.6.3.4 Waste Data on Separation and collected and exported directly, mixed in with waste recycling which is supposed to be sent to Mirash Landfill, or disposed of illegally. However, Pastrimi, the main entity responsible for as construction and demolition waste, is not clearly Recycling is a way of recovery and “means any Furthermore, Izolimi (2016) recycles 350 tons of the collection and transportation of waste in Pristina, defined. Therefore, for the purposes of this work, it is recovery operation by which waste materials are plastic waste per month which is collected mainly focuses mainly on two types, namely household assumed that most of the other three types of waste reprocessed into products, materials or substances from individual collectors. The most valuable plastic waste and commercial waste. Pastrimi collects waste generated that is not serviced by Pastrimi is disposed whether for the original or other purposes” fraction, according to Izolimi, is polyethylene tere- directly from homes and businesses and also at of in illegal landfill or mixed with the waste that is (European Commission and Eurostat, 2013: 30–31). phthalate (PET) which has an export value of 350 container points. At the same time, households and deposited in the KLMC landfill. Accurate data on waste separation and recycling is Euros/ton. businesses can also deliver their waste directly to the undoubtedly essential for the successful implemen- container points or have it collected by individual 8.7 Conclusions and Recommendations tation of the Waste Bank Project. It is therefore also Obtaining comprehensive data on the amount of collectors and then transported to the container important to obtain data on the amount of waste waste recycled in Pristina has proven to be diffi- points. The container points serve as both collec- 8.7.1 Implications for Waste Recycling Brought recycled, the different fractions and their respective cult since centralized reporting and a data sharing tion and separation/sorting points. Individual collec- about by the Waste Bank Project values. Plastika and Izolimi are the two main private system for recycling companies are not yet available. tors at the container points separate the recyclable recycling companies in Pristina engaged exclusively Although some data were obtained from the inter- materials (mostly plastic) and sell it to middlemen or 38% of the waste generated in Pristina is recyclable in recycling plastics. view with Izolimi, they were not enough to allow an directly to recycling companies. Recycling compa- (GIZ GmbH, 2011). However, only 10% is recycled, 130,928 tons of waste was generated in Pristina estimate of the total amount of waste recycled. nies then recycle the waste into semi-finished or meaning that more than two-thirds of recyclable in 2015. In the absence of any exact figures, the finished products which are either exported or sold waste is sent to landfill (either legal or illegal). This “Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Pristina – Kosovo”, 8.6.3.5 Waste Flow to the domestic local market. The process of recy- suggests that there is the potential for the Waste GIZ (2011) was used to form the assumption that cling also produces waste in the form of ash. This Bank to collect these recyclables, e.g., plastics, paper, while 90% of this was used for landfill (legal: 80%; The waste flow in Pristina is represented in figure 29. ash is sent to the KLMC landfill. It is also important and save them from the landfill. Figure 28: illegal: 10%), only 10% was recycled. The flow diagram divides waste flow/management to note that the process involved in the collection Figure 29: An Individual Collector into three steps, namely generation, collection and and treatment of other types of waste generated, Waste Flow in Pristina Collecting Waste According to KEPA (2014), 38% of waste generated in treatment. As shown in the flowchart, waste gener- namely “other waste” such as ash and grime, as well Municipality Photo: Amar Kulkarni Pristina is recyclable. Plastic is only one of the frac- ated in Pristina is categorised into five main types. Source: Prepared by Authors

90 91 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting System

8.7.2 Identifying the Types of Waste Which but also at the national level in Kosovo. Without Should be Collected by the Waste Bank doubt, this issue needs to be addressed and considered throughout the planning of the project. As As mentioned in previous sections, the major frac- mentioned before, GIZ (2011) has performed a study tions of recyclables in Pristina are plastics, paper, to acquire data on waste generation and fraction. glass and metals. There is an existing structure to Therefore, if the project proceeds as conceived, support the recycling of plastics, as shown by the these data will be a key to counteracting weak- prevalence of recycling companies specializing in nesses in the collection of data on waste generation. plastics in Pristina. However, recycling companies The project should be accompanied by: dealing with other recyclables are not as preva- lent. Therefore, the Waste Bank should endeavor to • The legal institutionalization of the waste data promote and raise awareness regarding the collec- system tion of these fractions of recyclables. • The implementation of the centralized information system coordinated by KEPA which is in 8.7.3 regarding the Waste Data Gap within progress Waste Production, Collection and • Specification of stakeholders’ roles; Treatment • Increase in public sector participation in primary data collection As discovered by the authors, there is a complex • Granting KEPA the resources to perform studies system involving several stakeholders engaged in regarding waste generation, collection and different roles in Pristina. Moreover, the lack of coor- treatment and dination amongst the stakeholders is an impedi- • Guaranteeing local governments a ment to obtaining accurate waste data. As a result, higher participation in the data genera- only the data which are beneficial to the various tion process to achieve accurate results. actors are collected. This confirms that an efficient and effective formal reporting/monitoring system is In addition, the regulatory framework needs to be missing; the existing reporting/monitoring system is reinforced or even amended in order to oblige stake- an informal one. holders such as recycling companies and municipalities to report their data on waste to KEPA. The suspen- 8.7.4 Suggestions for a Waste Data Collection sion of licenses (of recycling companies) and the System impounding of funds for projects (of municipalities) could be examples of ways to motivate the reporting The generation, collection and organization of waste of waste data. data are also challenges. The absence of a centra- Lastly, this new system requires some stake- lized formal reporting/monitoring system where all holders to assume key roles. The authors strongly actors are able to contribute data is a huge barrier suggest the following responsibility allocation: to accurate waste statistics. KEPA (2016) mentioned in an interview that the establishment of this kind of • Municipality of Pristina Corporation: data collec- system would make data collection and aggregation tion of type, quantity and locality of waste convenient for all actors. However, this solution would generation, composition and collection apply only to waste treatment and not to generation. • KEPA: data collection on the current state of Initiating the Waste Bank Project could be seen sanitary landfills (both legal and illegal) and as an opportunity to introduce new and essen- environmental data tial elements to the existing system. The Dardania • Waste recycling companies: data collection of Right Page Pilot Project is therefore an opportunity to intro- type and quantity of waste recycled IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant duce the importance of the aggregation of quality • KLMC: data collection on type and quantity of Photo: Anna Marie Walter data about waste generation, not only in Pristina, waste disposed of to landfill.

92 93 Awareness Raising

9 Awareness Raising

Authors 9.1 Introduction Bruno Dias Lana Mariana Enriquez Portillo Public awareness raising is a method used to high- Rucha Kelkar light a specific issue within a community in order Mozhdeh Saeidkhani to change attitudes and behaviors. This method has long been identified as the most relevant part in projects that require public participation in order to function as desired (Muller et al 2002:241–258). Recycling of domestic waste would not be achiev- able without public involvement. In order to support waste management projects it is crucial that the population is aware of what the recycling system is, why it is important, and how to start the recycle chain. Research has demonstrated that raising awareness has a significant effect on increasing the level of people’s willingness to participate in recycling programs. (Evison and Read, 2001:275–291)

For this reason, a successful awareness raising campaign is considered a crucial component of many projects around the world, especially those with a focus on environmental and health issues. As in the case of our Pristina / Kosovo study, waste management projects aiming to separate at source are especially dependent on behavioral shifts in communities, who are required to play an important role. This results in the improvement of collection rates for specific fractions, which again increases the input in mass flow and reduces the loss of material. In several case studies from Asia, it has been shown that awareness raising campaigns for waste Left Page management projects contributed to successful Waste Collection Site in project implementation. The results of a beha- Dardania vioral survey in Indonesia showed that separation Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer

95 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Awareness Raising

of organic waste was significantly promoted by an A strategic awareness campaign which aims to population living in the Dardania neighbourhood. After visiting the pilot project area, namely the awareness raising campaign (Murase et al 2016:1-6) endorse waste separation at source in households Prior to the fieldwork, literature on the importance Dardania neighbourhood, and speaking to the and a research conducted in Malaysia found that and small businesses in Dardania is still needed. of awareness in waste management and tools to inhabitants, the team members observed that educational programs affected people’s attitudes The main purposes of this research were therefore achieve awareness raising were reviewed, in order to Dardania is very homogeneous as regards its resi- towards recycling (Mc Allister 2015:14). to analyse the neighbourhood’s current awareness help set benchmarks for the recommendations to be dents. Most people live in similar kinds of accommo- situation concerning waste management topics and detailed later. dation in high-rise buildings and belong to a middle As a measure to tackle the current environmental their knowledge and acceptance of the waste bank income group. Therefore, though the one-week field problems related to waste that Kosovo is facing, the pilot project, as well as to analyse informal sector Information was obtained through interviews and trip did not allow sufficient time to carry out more national government encourages the municipalities participation and to recommend suitable awareness meetings with specific stakeholders playing different interviews, due to the similarities between residents to promote waste separation at source. Regarding raising tools. roles in the solid waste management system in the results are considered to be representative. the waste issue in Pristina, the GIZ has acknow- Pristina and able to influence awareness raising. ledged that, in addition to the lack of capacity 9.1.2 research Questions As the main instrument to achieve the research Nearly the same amount of women (18) and men of the municipality to provide proper manage- objectives, data was gathered by means of a survey (21) were interviewed. Based on our conversations ment, awareness in the community is low (Urban The team focused on finding answers to the randomly conducted over 39 households and 14 with them, it appears that women are responsible Research Institute Tirana, 2015). In the light of this, following questions: small businesses in Dardania, 53 interviews in total. for taking care of waste disposal. This outcome the GIZ/SMS project has offered a local subsidy to The questionnaire was divided into two main parts. highlights one of the main target groups for the the municipality of Pristina in order to develop an • What motivations do the people of Dardania The first part was related to waste management campaign. awareness raising campaign to encourage separa- have to separate their waste? topics: understanding, current practices, separation tion at source. Initially, this campaign will be imple- • Which groups should be tackled by the aware- and motivations. The second part focused on aware- Most of the people interviewed were well educated, mented in the Dardania neighbourhood, as one of ness raising campaign? ness and acceptance of the waste bank pilot project. since 75% were either studying at the local university the measures within the GIZ pilot project (Qorri, • Which awareness raising tools are or already held a professional qualification (figure 22.06.2016). appropriate for each target group? 9.2 Analysis 30). An even higher number (82%) knew what recycling was. This means that, regarding education Some awareness raising movements linked to the 9.1.3 Objectives A survey was conducted in the Dardania area in level, the vast majority of Dardania residents possess protection of the environment are being success- order to acquire information on the current aware- some knowledge of recycling and that conducting fully organized in Pristina by civil society organiza- In order to make appropriate recommendations ness status of households and small businesses. 39 a campaign dedicated to teaching what recycling is tions. For instance, Green Art Center (GAC) has been for an awareness raising campaign suitable for Dardania residents and 14 small business owners might not be necessary. In addition, most residents running a program in schools in Dardania called Dardania, the research focused on achieving specific were interviewed on Wednesday, 22 June 2016. The knew that some waste materials were valuable; EcoFriend, whose target is to form and finance goals, outlined below: survey was intended to supply not only quantita- plastic, aluminium and paper being those they were volunteer groups (Green Clubs) to stimulate envi- tive but also qualitative data through open-ended most aware of (figure 31). Even some people who did ronmental education (Muçaj, 23.06.2016). In addi- • To understand people’s behaviors regarding questions, with the aim of uncovering motivations not know what recycling was, knew that at least one tion, Kosovo Advocacy and Development Centre waste separation and degree of understanding of waste management of these materials had economic value. (an NGO interested in enhancing public health and • To assess their willingness to cooperate and join topics and the waste bank project. Following the protecting the environment) has also designed a the waste bank pilot project and to assess their structure of the survey, our analysis is divided into campaign for this neighbourhood which was put acceptance of informal sector participation households and businesses. into practice in 2012. The objectives were to increase • To analyse their understanding of waste- the consciousness of inhabitants about the impor- related topics: recycling, valuable waste mate- 9.2.1 Households tance of waste separation, reuse and recycling as rials, separation, etc. well as the improvement of the flow of information • To identify efficient tools for raising awareness Dardania has nearly 20,000 inhabitants, distrib- related to waste management between the munici- uted over approximately 4065 households, with pality, the waste management company and the 9.1.4 Methodology an average of 5 people in each household (Urban community (Kosovo Advocacy and Development Research Institute Tirana, 2015). Separation of waste Centre, 2012). Despite the achievements of this The methodology applied in this research was at source is the main objective of the awareness campaign, inhabitants later felt demotivated to the collection of primary data through interviews raising campaign and households are the key actors separate waste due to the practices of the company and previous studies and research into aware- towards achieving this goal. Figure 30: hired to collect the recyclables (Qerimi, 16.07.2016). ness in waste management developed in Pristina, Education Level of Residents and to carry out a questionnaire survey among the Source: Based on the Survey

96 97 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Awareness Raising

further information on the EcoFriend program). This Every interviewee had some level of education. Half is the reason why neither of these two groups are were high school graduates, while the remainder considered as a target group for the campaign. were studying at either university or a professional school (figure 34). Most (71%) were aware of recy- 9.2.2 Businesses cling. They were also aware that certain kinds of waste have value in the recycling market. It was Approximately 677 businesses operate in Dardania, noticeable that everyone mentioned aluminium/ most of them small or medium sized. Small busi- cans as having high value, but no one mentioned nesses are located mainly along the Bill Clinton other materials, such as plastic and paper (figure 35). Boulevard, above the “Tunnel”, along the Martyrs of Plastic and paper waste generation is high in busi- the Nation Boulevard, IliazKodra Str., LekëDukagjini nesses and their owners are not aware of the value Str., etc. (Urban Research Institute Tirana, 2015). of these materials. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the value of recyclable mate- There are a variety of businesses, including restau- rials, especially plastic, among the businesses. This finding tells us that the campaign should also Concerning the waste bank pilot project, only one rants, clothing shops, shoe shops, cosmetics shops, not be focused on the value of waste materials. of the residents had any idea what it was and none supermarkets, butcher shops and laundries, and Furthermore, none of the business owners inter- knew that such a project was expected to be put they are a major source of waste production. Since viewed separated plastic, paper and electronic It is important to state that Dardania residents’ into operation in Dardania. Once the concept was the business structure is heterogeneous, with busi- batteries. awareness of the economic value of waste and explained to them, all showed both an interest in nesses selling different types of items, the types of recycling is closely related to the informal sector and acceptance of it being implemented in their waste they produce are also different. and the work it does in the neighbourhood. neighbourhood. The main motivation for accepting Of all the people interviewed only 6 already sepa- such a project was to support the informal sector Owners of different types of businesses were inter- rated their waste. This group was composed mainly and make their work easier. viewed to get a broad perspective of waste disposal of people over 60 years old, which means that more habits and awareness. The survey sample reflects than 50% of the residents interviewed in this age In conclusion, even though Dardania is very homoge- the spread of small businesses operating in the area, group separate their waste. The motivation of all neous as regards the people who live there, different with 30% coming from restaurants and bakeries, 15% of them to separate their waste was the same: to groups may have different motivations regarding from supermarkets, clothing and computer/mobile help the waste pickers, either because they have waste separation. It is important to tackle all of these shops, and 7% from shoe shops, cosmetics shops, sympathy for them or to avoid the mess they make groups in the awareness raising campaign. In the laundries and pharmacies (figure 33). Most of the when they separate the waste themselves. For light of the survey, the identified target groups are: interviewees (60%) were from the 18-30 age group instance, a 65 year old lady commented that she and the remainder were over 30. This shows the high separates plastic into a different bag to make the 1. Women from all age groups since they are percentage of young people working in the business waste pickers’ job easier. perceived as the caretakers of the households sector. and are in charge of waste disposal. Regarding the rest of the people who do not sepa- 2. The elderly (aged 60 and above). Some already rate their waste, a willingness to do so was noted have a social motivation to separate, but not Figure 33: (figure 32). All of the residents interviewed declared all of them do. Types of Small Businesses that they would separate if they had a motivation 3. Young people (aged between 18 and 30) without Source: Based on the Survey and a way to do so (like separate bins at the commu- children. This was the most numerous group Figure 34: Figure 31: nity waste container sites). More than half of the interviewed. Their main motivation to sepa- Education Level of Small Waste Materials with Higher people interviewed said that they would sort for rate would be environmental consciousness. Business Owners Value According to Residents environmental reasons (to reduce contamination Source: Based on the Survey Source: Based on the Survey or for landfilling, etc.), with the next most popular Finally, it is assumed that children are already being Figure 35: Figure 32: motivation being social motivation (to help the involved in waste separation through the EcoFriend Waste Materials with Higher Households Motivations to informal sector, support EcoFriend program, etc.). program run by the GAC in local schools and it is Value According to Small Separate Waste Therefore these two motivations should be the expected that this information would be passed Business Owners Source: Based on the Survey main topics in the awareness raising campaign. from them to their parents (refer to Gjilan chapter for Source: Based on the Survey

98 99 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Awareness Raising

In the case of restaurants, organic waste was also 9.3 Recommendations also focus on developing a sense of belonging c) Visual campaign: Pictures and images are more not separated. So awareness of waste separation is and community pride. Two types of workshops are easily retained in people’s memories than words, necessary in this sector. Based on an analysis of the survey conducted suggested: one targeting the households (women, because of their visual appeal. Billboards and on-site, different tools and methods are suggested the elderly and young people) and the other one posters have always been a powerful tool in shaping Only 15% of business owners knew about the waste for each target group (women, the elderly, young targeting small businesses. The survey revealed or changing public opinion (Andrews 2008:11). Most bank project in Dardania. This small percentage people and small businesses), taking into account that the main motivations for households are envi- campaigns use these means to get the attention of presumably knew about it due to their children’s their different characteristics and motivations. For ronmental and social. In the case of small busi- the community for a specific issue. The main benefit participation in the EcoFriend program, but they example, women and young people focused on nesses, the main motivations are environmental and of using these tools for raising awareness is that had no clear information about it. After having the environmental motivations, whereas the elderly economic. Therefore, activities that focus on raising they can efficiently deliver messages to a mass audi- project explained to them, most felt positive about focused on social motivations and small businesses awareness on these motivations are necessary. ence. In order to attract people’s attention, visual it and said that they would gladly use the waste on economic motivations. Within the household workshops, different activities campaigns need to have a clear, understandable and bank (figure 36). This indicates the willingness of should be arranged depending on the participants strong message and to use attractive graphic design. the businesses to accept the new system. For them, Regarding the suitable content for each target of the group. For example, artistic activities involving Content can be designed to appeal to an individual the main motivation to recycle waste was environ- group, the campaign should include the following the use of recyclable materials might be suitable for target group. Posters and banners should be placed mental. They care about protecting the environment topics: young people, women and the elderly, and activities in key busy locations, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and this would inspire them to separate their waste. which highlight the benefits of the project for waste shopping centers, parks, schools, universities, and in They also expressed an economic motiva- 1. Importance and method of separation for all collectors might be more interesting to the elderly. the common areas of residential buildings and espe- tion once they realized the value of the waste. target groups cially at garbage container sites. 2. Value of recyclable materials for small busi- b) Media campaign: Spreading awareness through nesses media could be an effective tool. Media in this d) Word-of-mouth publicity: An important 3. Functioning and benefits of waste bank for all context refers to television, radio, newspaper and strategy for promoting any campaign, project or target groups social media. It could cover a wide range and reach product, word-of-mouth will function as an indirect 4. Contribution of waste pickers to different audiences. Both the municipality and the tool to increase awareness of the benefits of the women, young people and businesses Green Art Center NGO are very active on Facebook waste bank and therefore the importance of prop- and suggested it as a good method to reach people erly sorting waste. Word-of-mouth relates well to A cohesive design, in terms of color schemes and in Pristina. During the survey many young resi- cultural aspects in Pristina. People exchange infor- visual strategies, as well as a defined motto, should dents mentioned that they frequently use social mation more rapidly when communicating with be developed for the awareness raising campaign. media, so it can be used to raise public awareness each other. It is considered a highly efficient strategy This design should be present in every tool to of waste management. For this tool to be effective, because word-of-mouth is credible, social, repeat- be implemented, so that it comes to identify the the content must be creative and regularly updated able, measurable and respectful. This is reflected in campaign. It is expected that this strategy will enable and should focus on environmental motivations for the fact that 9 out of 10 people believe recommen- the different actors to link together the information waste separation. For elderly people and small busi- dations from friends and family over all other forms related to waste management education available nesses a different type of media such as newspapers, of advertising (Whitler, 2014). A successful word- Only a few mentioned a social motivation, from diverse sources. radio and television advertisements is suggested. of-mouth campaign relies on three E’s: Engaging i.e. helping waste pickers to earn a livelihood. It was observed during the field visits that many people to participate in the project; Equipping To summarize, there are different types of small Finally, it is important to address cultural aspects businesses have televisions and their owners regu- the community with a reason to talk about their businesses producing a variety of waste. None during the campaign. Discussions conducted with larly read a newspaper. According to a previous understanding of waste separation and recycling; of them separate their waste and most give GAC (Muçaj, 23.06.2016) during the field research survey, the vast majority of people living in Dardania Empowering people by letting them know that they little importance to the value of plastic. They are week, revealed that Pristina residents usually have consider television as their main source of informa- are important to the project and that sharing their willing to participate in the new project, the main strong family values and a low sense of belonging tion (Qerimi, 22.06.2016). So, even though this is an opinions is vital for achieving the project goals, while reason being to protect the environment. The with regard to public spaces and common areas and expensive method, short clips promoting the social at the same time helping them find different ways to focus of awareness raising in small businesses the tools used need to take these societal aspects and economic benefits of waste separation would be share information within their circles (Whitler, 2014). should be the protection of the environment, the into consideration. advisable. It is believed that this tool would be more likely used Figure 36: economic value of the waste and the promotion by women and the elderly since it was observed Small Businesses Owners of a general awareness about waste separation. a) Workshops: This tool would be useful for intro- during the field visits that these two target groups Motivations to Separate Waste For reference, questionnaires and interviews are ducing the project to the people and encouraging usually spend more time interacting in public spaces Source: Asked on the survey found in the annex. their involvement. Activities in the workshops should and common areas, like playgrounds and parks.

100 101 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Awareness Raising

e) Social events: These can include festivals, gath- in the events. It is recommended that such events erings and marathons, among other things. They be arranged periodically to involve the maximum have the ability to attract a large number of people number of people. and bring them together to work for a common cause. They instil a sense of belonging and commu- It is believed that the waste bank project itself will nity pride in the participants. Indirectly, these events also contribute in raising awareness in Dardania. could also lead to word-of-mouth publicity of infor- During the survey, many residents mentioned that mation and appear on the television news. a proper infrastructure would motivate them to separate waste. Infrastructure will be provided in For example, a marathon type event to promote the form of a waste bank and so will function as an waste separation could be held, with participants awareness raising tool. earning small prizes like t-shirts and bags carrying the campaign slogan that would help spread the Finally, as a follow up to the awareness raising message. Similarly, a ‘clean the neighbourhood campaign, another survey is suggested after its drive’ could be arranged, with all residents eligible implementation to measure its success through to participate in separating the communal waste people’s awareness of waste management topics together, thus creating social connections and devel- such as valuable waste materials and their knowl- oping a sense of belonging within public spaces. edge of the waste bank project. In addition, success ‘Happy street’ events could be implemented where could also be measured through quantitative indica- on a particular day of the week one of the neigh- tors like percentage of waste separation before and bourhood roads is turned into a pedestrian friendly after the campaign. zone (no vehicular movement) to host a variety of community activities. Activities can include bicycle riding, music concerts, dance, waste separation games, etc. This would offer the possibility to involve all target groups (women, the elderly, young people)

A wareness Raising Tool Woman Elderly Youth Small Businesses

Workshop X X X X Media Campaign X X X X Visual Campaign X X X Table 15: Mouth Publicity X X Awareness Raising Tools Social Events X X X Recommended for Each Target Group Source: Summary of the Recommendations Figure 37: Group Work Photo: Mozdeh Saeidkhani Figure 38: Awareness Group Photo: Galuh Rohmah Right Page Survey of the Dardania Residents Photo: Rucha Kelkar

102 103 Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

10 Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

Authors A bstract Gabriela Issa Rafael Valladares Rodas One of the oldest preserved scriptures on architecture is “De Architectura”, whose author was Vitruvius, a Roman engineer and architect. In these writings, dedicated to the Roman emperor, he explains that architectural works must take into consideration three characteristics: the long durability of the structure (firmitas), the proper use of the space (utilitas) and the good appearance of the form (venustas). Taking the Vitruvian Triad (firmitas, utilitas and venustas) as a basis for the analysis of waste bank architecture, the first three parts of this chapter consist of different approaches to the proposed architectural product. The first part explains the program (use) required of a waste bank: function. It describes its purpose and how it is used. The second part analyses building costs and materials: structure. It consists of a technical approach, and provides the means to materialize the function of the waste bank. The last part focuses on the appearance of the final architectural product and provides proposals for the visual design: aesthetics. A description is given of the architectural forms chosen and how these relate to the functional and structural requirements previously discussed. Following this sequence, the fourth part of the chapter considers the future of the project should it prove to be a success. It describes how it can be scaled up in Pristina, meaning that it can be implemented in other neighbourhoods. Left Page Waste Compressor Photo: Lea Nassif El Ksayer

105 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

10.1 Introduction 10.2 Function: A Program for the Waste Bank This project, then, must take into consideration “introduction” to its function as an information point the activities carried out within the space and the by serving as a “marketing announcement” on its An architectural product can be distinguished from The municipality of Pristina has certain expecta- number of people who are going to operate them. own. other forms of art, such as painting or sculpture, by tions regarding the implementation of a waste In addition to information generation, the activi- the fact that it serves as a utility to human beings. bank, as stated in interviews with the local authorities include the receipt of the recyclable material, A waste bank, therefore, as proposed in the pilot Early forms of architecture, for example, served as ties and in conversations with NGOs and GIZ, weighing it, exchanging it for money/coupons, and project for the neighbourhood of Dardania, has protection against harsh weather conditions and conducted during the one-week study-trip. storing it until it is finally collected by a recycling extended functions beyond those of a common as shelter from dangerous animals. The purpose of One of these expectations is the enhancement of company. One, or a maximum of two, workers are container site for recyclables, though it does not a building is so embedded in its form that, archeo- the image of the city concerning its cleanliness. sufficient to fulfil these tasks. intend to function as a scrap processor. This model is logical findings and the observation of the shape of Currently, many of the waste collection sites in more attractive than a customary recycling container architectural ruins and their internal layouts allow Pristina have garbage strewn on the ground around The program should also predict the total number of site, due to the financial compensation provided for us to understand the lifestyle and culture of ancient the waste containers. This is frequently the conse- people who are likely to use the internal space at any the recyclable materials brought there. But other civilizations. quence of scavenging activities carried out by indi- one time, in order to separate some space for recep- functions executed by a scrap processor, such as vidual collectors at the sites, as was witnessed during tion purposes. The number of customers that might preparing and baling, are not part of the purpose of Buildings are certainly a reflection of the aesthetic the study trip. bring their bundles of recyclables, or that want to this project. tastes of societies, in every era and place, and carry obtain information regarding waste activities, will cultural values within their forms. In the same Another expectation is an improvement in depend on how much the households and the indi- 10.3 Structure: Dimensions and Materials manner, the way that the forces (caused by weight the practice of separation of recyclable mate- vidual collectors are aware of and willing to collabo- and wind) are conducted along the architectural rials from general “dumping” waste, since the rate with the project. With regard to the dimensions required for the structures (from the roof to the foundations) reflects Pristina landfill has already reached its capacity. temporary storage of recyclable materials in the the techniques, knowledge, and materials available In order to see how a waste bank might meet these The number of people coming to the waste waste bank, it is important to know in detail the to different people in specific locations. However, expectations, a pilot project will be launched in bank is likely to peak during certain hours of the data that indicate the volume of recyclable mate- despite the shape and structure imbued in every the Dardania neighbourhood. Thus, the main goals day and vary seasonally in the course a year. An rial generated from day to day as a product of architectural product, buildings are primarily proposed for this project are: assumption of three to four customers at the human activity in the Dardania neighbourhood. constructed as places to host human activities (e.g. same time in the reception area is the first step Taking into account that the population of Dardania work, leisure, etc.). • To encourage separation of waste at source, so towards calculating the size of space required. is around 20,000 inhabitants and that the amount eliminating scavenging activities at the waste Besides the variety of activities and the number of of garbage produced per capita per day in this area Dardania is a middle-density housing neighbour- container sites workers and users in the waste bank, natural human of the city is 0.95 kg/per capita/day (Urban Research hood where middle-income families live and is situ- • To reduce the amount of waste that needs to needs also require that there be designated areas Institue, Tirana & GIZ, 2015:6-7), it can be calculated ated about 10 minutes’ walking distance (around 1.5 be dumped by increasing the collection of such as a fountain of drinkable water, toilets, seats that around 19 tons of waste is generated each day km) from the city center. The neighbourhood was recyclable materials disposed of in the city. for resting/waiting, and the support of a table. in this middle-class neighbourhood composed developed during the 1970s, based on the “Urban of apartment buildings and a commercial area. Program for Three Residential Neighbourhoods in The waste bank pilot project consists of the imple- Based on the aforementioned expectations of the The demographic data on Dardania have been Pristina” of 1962. mentation of a provisory architectural product, municipality on public hygiene, an activity that obtained from the municipality of the city of Pristina. in a designated public space in the neighbour- should not take place inside the waste bank is the From this point of view, the present project to hood of Dardania, which will receive selected recy- sorting of the waste, as this activity can be filthy and Taking that information as a basis for the dimen- introduce a waste bank into the neighbourhood of clable materials in exchange for financial benefits smell unpleasant and could harm the image of the sion analysis, more than 40% of the waste corre- Dardania, Pristina, must consider a holistic approach. (for individual collectors), or coupons (for house- place and make it less inviting to the inhabitants of sponds to organic material, while 33% corresponds The design, first of all, must render it fit for purpose. holds, representing donations to an NGO involved Pristina. to non-organic material which can be recycled, Once this has been achieved, the waste bank can be in awareness raising on recycling in schools). mainly aluminum, plastic, and paper. The frac- physically materialized in accordance with locally The waste bank will also be an information point In this sense, it is important to recognize the need to tions of non-organic materials that are recy- available materials, existing local technical knowl- regarding all waste activities (collection, dumping, create the right image for the waste bank. Its appear- clable and have a market value in the country are: edge, available budget, etc. In the end, it must be recycling, recycling campaigns, etc.) held in the ance should create awareness in the neighbourhood around 14% plastics, 1.18% metal and 12.83% an architectural product that reflects the context municipality, according to interviews done in of recycling-related activities in the city. It needs to paper and cardboard. On this basis, it can be calcu- in which it is placed, taking into consideration the Pristina with both the heads of the company ‘Green appeal to the inhabitants of Dardania, in order to lated that around 2.8 tons of plastic, 2.4 tons of surrounding urban aesthetics and culture. Recycling’ and the NGO ‘Green Art Center’. act as a visual stimulus concerning the separation of paper and roughly 224 kg of metals (aluminum, waste at source. This “image” therefore provides an iron, copper, and others) are generated daily.

106 107 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

It is important to highlight that the space required for roof covering the container also covers the deposits. 10.4 Beautification of the Waste Bank and the storage is directly related to the amount of garbage The second model could be built of brick, keeping Local Built Environment generated per day in the neighbourhood, taking the same dimensions as the metal ship container. into account such factors as: population numbers, The waste bank project poses many challenges. purchasing power, habits and the existence of a A modular design is also expected by the munici- Among these, the issue of beautification and local commercial area. Also, it is worth noting that all pality of Pristina, so a metallic structure for built environment are important. The recycling the recyclable materials that will be transported to the compartments is strongly recommended; company and the local municipality perceive the the waste bank (as a common point for collection any necessary extension to the compart- project as a process rather than a product (Qorri, in Dardania), will not be compacted either inside or ments would require little time and material. Gashi, Mehmetukaj, 21.06.2016; Salihu, 22.06.2016). outside the waste bank, but only at their final desti- For the steel frame that forms the compart- As a result, the adornment of the structure demands nation at the recycling plant, which is another reason ments, a galvanized steel tube, square profile, to be flexible in order to adapt to the changing why the storage space required is considerable. is recommended. These metallic profiles can process. At the same time, aesthetics play a signifi- be joined by welding or by screwing together cant role in creating an image in the minds of the With regard to the materials which have been in order to facilitate assembly and disassembly. local population. A good and beautiful design will We have focused in these three fractions of recyclable selected for the construction of the waste bank, as Also recommended is the use of galvanized help them accept the structure and also raise aware- materials in order to calculate the required dimen- well as for the storage containers, these have been ness about waste management. On the other hand, sions for the compartments where these materials carefully chosen, taking into account such factors as the waste bank has to integrate well into the neigh- will be temporarily stored in the waste bank. price, durability, ease of maintenance, aesthetics and bourhood by addressing social, cultural and envi- resistance to external elements such as water, fire ronmental aspects if it is to be a success. In other Considering the amount of recyclable material in and snow. words, the project needs to ensure the quality of the different fractions, we have calculated the space the built environment around the proposed waste necessary for the waste bank to temporarily store the Our work team, made up of students from Pristina bank. This section deals with these issues. The first three selected fractions (paper, plastics and metal). University and TU Berlin, have suggested two models part deals with the beautification of the waste bank. The space or volume needed to temporarily store for the waste bank which will also function as an metal mesh, with an opening not greater It is followed by the perspective of maintaining the paper and cardboard in the bank is approximately 30 information center. The first model proposed would than 50mm x 50mm, which would allow visi- quality of the local built environment, while the last m³, which means that the area for the compartment be built inside a 20-foot metal ship container (6.06 bility into the inside of the compartment. part addresses the issue of site selection criteria. All would be around 12 m² with a height of 2.5m. In the m x 2.43 m x 2.60 m), which would accommodate With regard to the maintenance of the structure, the of these are fundamental aspects in the planning same way, the space needed to store all the plastic is the person in charge of the waste bank and informa- recommended materials require little maintenance. and beautification of the waste bank. around 56 m³, which means an area of 22.5 m² with tion center. Next to the container would be placed Galvanized steel is resistant to corrosion from envi- a height of 2.5m for the storage compartment. For deposits to hold the recyclable materials. It is recom- ronmental factors among others. 10.4.1 Beautification of Waste Bank metals (aluminum, copper, etc) the required space mended that these be constructed of steel pipes and is smaller compared with the other two fractions, no metal mesh with a metal frame. The height of the 10.3.1 Hygiene Aspects One of the primary objectives of the waste bank more than 2 m³. deposits should not exceed 2.5 metres so that the project in Pristina is to improve waste management The waste bank does not require a sophisticated significantly. This goal also seeks a suitable design Height sanitation system for leachate since the storage of solution regarding beautification for the waste bank. Figure 39: Material Kg/day m³ H (m) Area m² A - B (m) A - B (m) real organic waste is not being considered. However, it is Aesthetics, or in plain language, the beautification of Waste Composition in Plastic 2,808.20 56.16 2.50 22.47 4.74 5.00 recommended that the storage compartments and the waste bank, are an important part of the design. Dardania Metal 224.20 1.87 2.50 0.75 0.86 1.00 the paved area be kept clean by regular washing. Beautification in the case of the waste bank is the Source: Prepared by Authors Paper + 2,437.70 30.47 2.50 12.19 3.49 4.00 need to have a pleasing and welcoming visual effect. cardboard Table 16: The installation of a toilet and washbasin at the infor- Meanwhile, purposeful beautification must adapt to Glass 845.50 2.56 2.50 1.02 1.01 1.00 Container Volume Design mation point is recommended, since the person in the functional, social and economic aspects of the

Source: Prepared by Authors Height charge will remain in place for several hours during design. In the next part, we look at the beautification Table 17: Material Kg/day m³ H (m) Area m² A (m) B (m) B (m) real the day. Those responsible for running the waste of the waste bank from the perspectives of simplicity, Container Volume Design bank should consider supplying drinking water and ergonomics, architectural style, and transparency. Plastic 2,808.20 56.16 2.50 22.47 2.40 9.36 10.00 (Rectangular) for Three Figure 40: Metal 224.20 1.87 2.50 0.75 2.40 0.31 1.00 a sewage connection; in the absence of the latter, Fractions Paper + mobile toilets must be provided. Storage Module Containers 2,437.70 30.47 2.50 12.19 2.40 5.08 5.00 Source: Prepared by Authors cardboard Source: Gabriela Issa

108 109 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

a) Simplicity c) Architectural Style infrastructures, and the air, water and soil quality there are certain necessary criteria for building or of the local area. However, as the proposed waste installing a waste bank in a neighbourhood in order Simple designs are easy to perceive as well as Architectural style gives identity to a structure and bank is not a massive structure and can accommo- to maintain or improve the quality of the built envi- straighforward to use and in the way they inter- also help users relate to it. Getting social acceptance date only a limited amount of waste, its impact on ronment. As the waste bank is for community use, relate spaces. They also facilitate quick commu- for the waste bank project is essential. Pristina, at the environmental aspect of the neighbourhood will it is required to be placed within a neighbourhood nication amongst users. Similarly, they can help present, does not have a vernacular architectural be small. Thus, the current topic only highlights rele- boundary and some factors that need to be taken in the rational allocation of limited space and style, but the use of concrete and exposed red vant aspects of quality of built environment based into consideration when selecting the site are listed budget in a project. However, simplicity of design brick is a predominant feature of the city. However, on the site location that could be improved through below: is one of the most difficult qualities to attain. new buildings built with modern technology and rational design in the following headings. The proposed waste bank for Dardania has limited materials are also emerging in the city. It is difficult • The site should be at a sufficient distance from space: it has to fit in an area approximately 4x8 to predict which kind of style will be successful for a) Odor the community to minimize the possible effects m2. It also has a limited budget. Hence, the waste the waste bank. However, a style that blends in with of odor, yet should be within easy reach of the bank has to aim for a simple design solution which the neighbourhood would be more easily accepted. Odor is an unavoidable aspect of a waste bank. users. could be scaled up and easily replicated elsewhere. Since the project is very experimental, the proposed Although good maintenance of the structure and • Open spaces should be available to ensure This could be achieved by using a modular design final designs for the waste bank have experimented proper management of the waste can help control proper ventilation. solution, since these are cheap to produce, trans- with prefabricated walls and metal mesh casings. odor emission, the design of the waste bank can • It should be easily accessible by road for easy port and construct. For this project, a rectangular These designs aim to blend in with the neighbour- also have an impact on the problem. The proposed uploading and unloading. layout has been proposed with the waste chambers hood through the use of color in harmony with the designs aim to avoid the release of odor into the • Space for temporary parking of the vehicle Figure 41: served through a central lobby. Since the budget is surroundings, which also gives a sense of unity of surrounding built environment in following ways. used by recycling companies to collect waste WB Location in Dardania very limited, a minimalist approach has been taken. architectural style. should be available. Source: Google Earth Functional aesthetics is another aspect of the design. • The chamber design using metal mesh allows • The site should have access to a vehicular road Figure 42: All users should be able to use the waste bank with d) Transparency for optimum ventilation. • Provision of utilities like water drainage, WB Location in Dardania ease. This topic has been dealt with earlier in this • Metal is comparatively easy to clean. sewerage, and electricity. Source: Google Earth chapter. The proposed designs use transparent material • The waste bank is strategically placed within an not only for beautification but also for the practical open space where the air flow is not restricted. b) Ergonomics purpose of demonstrating how the waste bank • The considerable distance of the site from local process works, so helping to raise public awareness. residences allows foul air to escape and dissi- The waste bank is targeted for regular use by the A user can easily differentiate the internal spaces of pate before it reaches them. community, with users coming from diverse groups. the waste bank through direct observation from a Hence, it is essential to make it user-friendly by distance. The lobby has glass walls, while the waste b) Green Space and Visibility keeping the different users in mind. In general, ergo- chambers are made of see-through metal mesh. The nomic design allows for better interaction of people transparent design also gives a sense of increased A green area has the power to enhance the beauty with the structure, product or environment. Safety space to a small waste bank built within a limited site of any structure as well as the visual quality of the and comfort while storing, collecting and transfer- area. Thus, visibility in the design of the waste bank is surrounding area and the experience of the people ring waste in and out of a waste bank can directly crucial, not only regarding beauty but also to have a in the community. In the case of the waste bank, influence people’s perceptions of it. A waste bank positive impact on the neighbourhood. green climbers and trees could also be used to that is easy to use creates a sense of belonging, while control the level of visibility from the residential area one that is not can demotivate users. Handles need 10.4.2 Quality of Local Built Environment according to the wishes of the local people. This tool to be placed at the right height, and the size and would help avoid the stigma of the waste bank as a height of the opening of the waste bins, along with Manmade spaces for any human activity, such as filthy and undesirable structure in the neighbour- the dimensions of the lobby space and waste cham- buildings, infrastructures, networks for services, hood. bers, are all significant human factors to be consid- and green spaces, fall into the category of built envi- ered in the design. ronment (Roof 2008:24). The built environment has c) Site Selection broad social and ecological dimensions (Moffat and Kohler, 2008:260). The interaction between the waste The proposed site is adjacent to a road and a public bank and the built environment needs to be consid- park in the area of Dardania. Although there are no ered from the perspective of public health, physical precise rules for the selection of a waste bank site,

110 111 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

10.4.3 examples for the Waste Bank provide a temporary waste bank location. If the pilot During our consultations with architect V. Limani • Plan to scale up in the city center during the project is successful, then this container could either Xhemaj, she told us that, when making plans for second phase, as it partly covers the first two Focusing on the different criteria discussed above be kept in place or replaced later with a more perma- scaling up, we should start by analyzing the neigh- objectives. would make the concept easier to implement. The nent construction. bourhood features of Dardania, taking into account • Scale up in other middle-to-high income neigh- proposed designs have tried to incorporate these the city context at the same time. bourhoods (gated communities). standards of beautification and built environment The brick-constructed waste bank is intended for a • Start a low-density housing neighbourhood by using a simple form and flexible modular metal permanent location in the neighbourhoods once the Analyzing the city in terms of neighbourhood struc- pilot project during the second phase, then chambers. The enclosed space required for a lobby scaling up process has been started throughout the ture, land use, average income, and housing density scale up in similar neighbourhoods during the due to climatic conditions, a functional aspect, also city; it could also be adapted according to the space so as to define several categories of urban ensem- third phase. allows scope for beautification. The use of harmo- available in the different locations. bles helped us plan the scaling up process. Based on • In the fourth phase, scaling up in other low- nious color in both the interior and exterior allows this analysis, we defined five main categories: density and middle-to-low-income housing the design to be more coherent to the society. 10.5 Scaling up neighbourhoods is recommended. Similarly, the ergonomic design, transparency, use of • City Center. Distinctions in land use in this • Scale up in the city periphery. Integrate green space and visibility that contribute to the final According to GIZ architect V. Limani Xhemaj, Dardania part of the city must be taken into account. underdeveloped neighbourhoods in proportion, pattern, shape and form of the waste is one of the main neighbourhoods in Pristina; it also Neighbourhoods are characterised by having order to encompass the whole city. bank in the proposed designs has been manipu- has the highest population density in the city. For this medium density housing as well as administra- lated to determine the beauty of the form. In the among other socio-economic reasons, the munici- tive and commercial buildings. The university Based on this, the proposal for scaling up is divided meantime, the proposed model tries to maintain pality has selected this neighbourhood to be part of campus is also located in this area. into four phases as indicated below: the quality of the built environment by thoughtfully the pilot project, which will be extended later to other • Middle-density housing neighbourhoods. considering factors like visibility, transparency, and neighbourhoods and eventually to the whole city. These, along with other neighbourhoods, date Phase 1 (2016) odor, as well as the location of the site, green spaces, The process of scaling up is not limited to the replica- from the socialist era and are mostly middle Dardania (pilot project, 45 ha). and ventilation. tion of the project in other neighbourhoods. In order income neighbourhoods located around 1.5 to to be able to carry out this process it is important to 2 km from the city center. Phase 2 (2017 – 2019) The proposed model for the pilot project is a metal understand how Dardania was developed and grew • Low-density neighbourhoods. Old and newly- Bregu i Diellit 1+2 (49.7 ha), Ulpiana (39.9 ha), Qendra ship container. The reason behind this proposal is to until the present time. developed neighbourhoods, mainly on the city (56.3 ha), Lakrishte, Pejtoni and Quni (71.6 ha), QKUK outskirts, between 10 and 30 minutes’ walking (64.7 ha), FSK (60.8 ha), Zona ekonomike (128.8 ha), distance (more than 2 km) from the city center. Lagjja NIC, International village, Arberia 1 (pilot-1, • One-use urban ensembles. Public and private 87.6 ha) institutions and new high-income housing neighbourhoods make up this category. Phase 3 (2019 – 2021) • Newly-planned neighbourhoods. Arberia 3 (87.6 ha), Aktashi (37.9), Muhagjeret (61.9 Low-middle density housing, partly devel- ha), Dodona and Parku (59.5 ha), Qyteti I vjeter (42 oped, for middle-income families and more ha), Sofalia (233 ha), Taslixhe (120.5 ha) and Tophane than 20 minutes’ walking distance (more than (30.4 ha). 2 km) from the city center. Figure 43: Phase 4 (2021 – 2023) WB Model 1.a - Avdiu The scaling up strategy should take this categoriza- Mati Veri and Jugu (285 ha), Mati Lindje, Medresja Source: Gabriela Issa tion into account and should also have the following (65.2 ha) and Kodra. Figure 44: aims: WB Model 1.b - Avdiu Source: Gabriela Issa • Fully scale up in the entire city within 7 years. Figure 45: • Continue with the second phase in neighbour- WB Model 2.a hoods with the same or similar characteristics Source: Sharmila Shresta as Dardania, and also include all public institu- Figure 46: tions in this phase. WB Model 2.b Source: Sharmila Shresta

112 113 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Bank for Kosovo: Design, Beautification and Scaling-up

For the waste bank that will also function as an In order to maintain the quality of the built environ- information point we have selected two designs ment, each element of the design should carefully to be taken into consideration. One involves consider its impact on the surrounding physical, building the office in situ; the other requires social and ecological environment. The distance adapting it from a 20-foot metal ship container. It between the waste bank, neighbourhood buildings, is important to consider the available space and and community activities should be sufficient to its location in the different neighbourhoods, the avoid social, environmental and health issues. accessibility of the waste bank for people and vehicles, and the actual volume of waste mate- The beautification of the waste bank is aimed at rial generated in the area, in order to ensure the maintaining the quality of the local built environ- most efficient collection of recyclable material. ment and also at raising awareness of the waste bank With regard to the selection of materials, there is no among the local population. A few things need to doubt that the objective is to ensure the durability be considered in order to achieve these goals. First, of the structure, reduce costs and minimize the time the location of the waste bank must be carefully spent on maintenance, so, as recommended above, considered. Placement near a park helps in beau- the use of galvanized steel metal profiles for the skel- tification and also helps to maintain the quality of eton of the structure and the use of galvanized steel the space. The project could also be shaped as a mesh would be the best choices. continuum of the public park with planting over and around the structures. Furthermore, future expan- Trying to unify the criteria for the final design of the sion of the waste bank would be possible. Regarding waste bank in order that the process of scaling up in the proposed site, the area provided for the waste other neighbourhoods can be carried out with the bank for Dardania fulfils almost all of the criteria for minimum of setbacks, both proposals consider the a proper site. However, the site space is limited (32 same type of compartments for storing the waste. m²). Meanwhile, the total area required to store recy- However, the number of hours that a responsible clable waste for a day is almost 35.40 m². Hence, the person will be present at the site needs to be clearly area should be increased to ease the collection and defined so that decisions can be made regarding the storage of the waste. The need for frequent dispatch provision of additional services such as water, elec- of the waste throughout the day due to limited tricity, and connection to sanitary drainage, all of storage space might favor the waste containers which are essential in a stationary workplace. could be the easier and better possible solution.

The design of the waste bank should incorporate simplicity, visibility, ergonomic dimensions, proper architectural style, green spaces, and R ecommendations respect for the quality of the built environment.

Some general recommendations related to the 56 m³ per day, so plastic will require most space in design, dimensions and selection of materials for the the waste bank temporary storage compartments E xternal Factor Evaluation Matrix (What affects the waste bank size) construction of the waste bank have already been (around 22.5 m² ) (Urban Research Institue, Tirana Key External Factors Weight Rating Weighed score made in this document; however, some of these & GIZ, 2015:6-7). It is suggested therefore that, once 1. Population of the neighborhood (density) recommendations should be emphasized to ensure the pilot project begins, periodical evaluations of 2. Average income the success and sustainability of the pilot project in the amount of material arriving at the waste bank Dardania. be carried out before increasing the number of 3. Volume of waste generated per fraction 4. Period of collection and storage of recyclable materials (days per week) compartments required for this fraction, in view of Table 18: 5. Accessibility and location Figure 47: As previously indicated, plastics make up the the fact that the space required for the other two External Factor Evaluation 6. Available space for the physical structure Scaling up Map Pristina largest volume of recyclable material generated in fractions is much smaller. Matrix Source: V. Limani Xhemaj this neighbourhood, with an estimated volume of Total score 1.00 Source: Prepared by Authors

114 115 Waste Management in Gjilan

11 Waste Management in Gjilan

Authors 11.1 Gjilan City - Profile Antonia Burchard-Levine Bruno Dias Lana Gjilan is a city and municipality in eastern Kosovo. It Swapnil Kangankar is the administrative center of the District of Gjilan and one of the seven largest cities in Kosovo. In March 2011, the Gjilan municipality was estimated to have a population of over 90,015 residents, and a population density of 229.7 km2 (595 sq mi). The vast majority of the population is Albanian, followed by Serbs, and a small number of minorities (Municipality of Gjilan, 2016).

In order to tackle the rising volume of solid waste disposed of in landfills, the Gjilan municipality proposed an initiative to segregate recyclable waste from non-recyclable waste in certain parts of Gjilan. The recyclable waste would then be processed to generate financial gain. The initiative is already taking place in a number of schools and public buildings and has the support of a local NGO, as well as private companies involved in waste disposal and recycling.

11.2 Involvement of NGO Green Art Center

One of the most important partners working on raising awareness of waste separation and recycling is the NGO Green Art Center (GAC), who are developing their projects mainly in Pristina but also in smaller Kosovar cities. Left Page One example is the work that they have been doing Gjilan, Kosovo in the municipality of Gjilan, encompassing 15 local Photo: thesavannahbananas. schools and nine public administration buildings. In com/com-maps- order to gain a better understanding of the Gjilan kosovo-gjilan, 2010

117 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Management in Gjilan

pilot project and their first positive results, it is also indirectly targeting parents and relatives. They door-to-door basis; alternatively, the fee can be paid important to define two key players in the GAC proj- also intend to focus on other target groups, such directly at collection points located in the city. The ects: EcoFriend and Green Clubs. as young people between the ages of 18 and 35, as company currently receives collection fees from well as the elderly and women, who are considered roughly 70 percent of its customers, and is looking EcoFriend is a mechanism established by the GAC to be the main family members involved in handling for ways to improve this rate. which aims to create Green Clubs in public educa- household waste, according to information collected tional institutions in order to promote environmental during surveys. 11.6 Reciklimi education and civic activism. EcoFriend has enabled the establishment of 61 Green Clubs throughout 11.3 Waste Segregation at Source– Phase I Reciklimi is one of the companies responsible for Kosovo, also providing funding for field activities collecting, buying and trading recyclable materials such as workshops, the building of infrastructure Similarly to other Kosovar cities in the area, Gjilan within the municipality. Their main activity consists in the schools involved, and organizing artistic and faces the dual issue of an increase in the volume in buying recyclable waste, mostly plastic, PET, and promotional activities in public spaces, amongst of waste dumped directly into the landfills and aluminum, from individual collectors. The recyclable other things. the under-utilization of recyclable waste mate- waste is then compressed and exported to recycling rial. In order to tackle this, the municipality, along bags before dumping the bags in the waste bins companies in Turkey or Macedonia. The company The Green Clubs are voluntary groups operating out with the NGO Green Art Center, initiated a drive to provided. This initiative is proving beneficial since works in close collaboration with the individual of educational institutions across Kosovo, and their segregate residual waste from recyclable waste. In the quantity of residual waste has been consider- collectors. Since the transportion of the recyclable main focus is to foster good environmental practices this first phase of the project, the residual waste is ably reduced, while recyclable waste can now be waste is what individual collectors claim to be their among students and young people in general. Their managed by Ecohigjiena, and the recyclable waste managed with relative ease by the individual collec- greatest challenge, Reciklimi provides them with a activities include the creation of green areas around by Reciklimi. In the second phase of the project, the tors. Littering during waste segregation is one of the truck transport service, which must be requested schools, encouraging environmental awareness municipality plans to involve the individual collec- main reasons why individual collectors are perceived in advance, and also provides large white bags for in public spaces, instructing students on environ- tors currently operating in the city (Zuzaku, 23.06.15). negatively and segregation at source, at the house- putting the waste in. Both services are free of charge. mental management, and organizing professional hold level, has proved a simple yet effective way of The company pays the individual collectors between and artistic activities, as well as running workshops Segregation at source reduces the quantity of tackling this problem. 10 and 15 cents per kg of plastic, and resells it to in the field to raise public awareness regarding envi- waste dumped in the landfills and at the same the industries for 25 cents. Should the price of oil ronmental issues in Kosovo. time increases the quantity of recyclables that can 11.5 Ecohigjiena - Waste Management continue to decrease, they will be forced to pay the be processed and converted into financial gain. Company collectors less than 10 cents per kilo, thus reducing In Gjilan, the main goal of the project is to instill Segregation further increases the efficiency with their willingness to collect waste materials for finan- the waste separation habit in schools and public which the recyclable waste is collected by the Ecohigjiena was founded on May 23, 2012 and began cial gain (Latifaj, 23.06.15). buildings, with special emphasis on encouraging private companies, and will also make the task of the operations in Gjilan on July 1, 2012, operating within this habit amongst the students. After it has been individual collectors easier during the second phase. the geographical boundary of Gjilan. It was estab- Currently, Reciklimi works at half of its full capacity, separated, the recyclable waste is taken in special lished through a public-private partnership and compressing approximately 550 kg/day of plastic containers to Reciklimi, the company selected to deal Currently, the municipality has installed two separate is responsible for the disposal of residual waste in and aluminum. Apparently, they are unable to reach with processing and trading recyclable materials. A types of bin: one for residual waste and the other for the landfills. It also provides other services such as full capacity because of unfair competition from portion of the money earned by selling the materials recyclable waste. This system is already in place in a municipal cleaning and the maintenance of streets, other, unlicenced, recycling enterprises that do goes to EcoFriend, which finances the implementa- small number of municipal and school buildings. The city squares, cemetreies, and markets (Ecohigjiena not pay taxes and offer a higher rate per kg to the tion and expansion of the project. By reducing the smaller bins are placed indoors, while the larger bins official website, 2016). informal sector. amount of waste diverted to the landfills, not only are placed outdoors. The outdoor bins are locked to will the level of environmental pollution be reduced, prevent individuals from dumping waste in them, so In terms of waste, the initiatives of Ecohigjiena Despite these adversities, Reciklimi has been chosen but so also will the the landfill costs. obliging them to use the smaller indoor bins. primarily target household and commercial waste, as by the municipality and Green Art Center as part well as non-hazardous industrial waste. Currently it of the pilot project running in public buildings and Figure 48: According to Green Art Center, the pilot project 11.4 Waste Collection in Dardania - Gjilan serves around 20,000 people living in Gjilan and the schools, due to the fact that it is the only company Meeting at the Department has already achieved good results over the past six 19 surrounding villages, and manages approximately that fulfils all the legal requirements, including of Economic Development, months. Similar results are expected for the Pristina For this project, the municipality has provided every 27,000 tonnes of waste per year. payment of taxes. Municipality of Gjilan project which mainly targets young people under household with a waste bin which is located outside. Photo: Drejtoria e Zhvillimit the age of eighteen, via primary and secondary Each household is expected to segregate residual The company charges around 5 Euros a month for its Ekonomik, schools, and also within their households, while from recyclable waste and place each in separate services, and this fee is collected by a collector on a Komuna e Gjilanit, 2016

118 119 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Waste Management in Gjilan

are children) operating on the site and collecting materials.

During a site visit to the landfill, approximately 30 individual collectors were observed working on the landfill, of whom it was estimated that approximately a third were children.

11.9 Conclusion

The waste management initiatives undertaken by the municipality of Gjilan are simple and effective. They have had a positive effect on raising awareness regarding waste management, mainly by focusing 11.7 Waste Management in Velekinca on the environmental and economic importance of separating recyclable materials. This is especially The village of Velekinca, in the municipality of apparent among the students from the schools Gjilan, has special arrangements for waste collec- involved in the pilot project. Beyond that, the local tion, created and managed by the community itself. waste management strategies not only help to The community, consisting of 100 households, has decrease the costs of residual waste operations and employed a worker from within the community to generate profits from the recyclable waste, but also take responsibility for collecting the waste gener- assist individual waste collectors in performing the ated in the village and disposing of it in designated collection of recyclable materials, often their main waste containers in the neighbourhood. The worker source of livelihood, in a more efficient manner. This was chosen by the community because of his repu- initiative is also particularly impressive because it tation for performing gardening activities in the seeks to include and involve the individual collec- area, which he continues to perform. He receives tors and does not undermine the importance of a monthly salary of 250 Euros, paid through remit- their work to the entire process. Therefore, in addi- tances from families living in other European coun- tion to managing waste more effectively, the initia- tries. The waste disposed of by the waste picker is tives in Gjilan also have the effect of enhancing and then collected by a private company once a week. protecting the livelihood of individual collectors in the informal sector. 11.8 Landfill

The landfill in Gjilan is built according to the standards of the European Agency Program with a minimum life expectancy of 15 years. It is managed by the KLMC (Kosovo Landfill Management Company), registered as an independent company Figure 49: since 2005 (Kosovo Trust Agency). Storage of Compressed Recyclable Materials at The landfill is a site of intense activity, with people Reciklimi’s Headquarters sorting through the garbage which is brought in Photo: Antonia Burchard-Levine at frequent intervals by the Ecohigjiena transport Right Page vehicles. The number of individual collectors varies Ecofriend Stand during the day, but it is estimated that there are Photo: Green Art Center, 2015 approximately 100 collectors (40 percent of whom

120 121 References

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Right Page Recycled Plastic Granulates Photo: Anna Marie Walter

126 127 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Lists of Figures and Tables

Lists of Figures and Tables

List of Figures

Figure 1 Schematic Material Flow in Society: Showing Extraction of Resources, Production, Use, Waste Management and Disposal into the Environment (inspired by Vesilind et al., 2002). 37 Figure 2 Waste Generation, Collection and Disposal 38 Figure 3 Current Waste Management Process in Pristina 41 Figure 4 Organizational Structure of Waste Management in Pristina 43 Figure 5 Percentage of Costs Incurred by Pastrimi, 2014 43 Figure 6 Proposed Scenario for Waste Management in Dardania 45 Figure 7 Organizational Structure of Waste Management in Pristina 46 Figure 8 WTI Crude Oil Price from July 2013 - June 2016 53 Figure 9 LME Aluminium (left) and Steel Billet (right) Price 53 Figure 10 The Recycling Value Chain 53 Figure 11 Distances to be Covered for Waste Collection and Distribution 54 Figure 12 IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant 56 Figure 13 Value Chain of Plastics in Kosovo 56 Figure 14 The Benefits of a Social Enterprise to Manage the Waste Bank 61 Figure 15 ReciVeci Project 64 Figure 16 A Site in Dardania 82 Figure 17 Interview with Individual Collectors 83 Figure 18 A Waste Container 83 Figure 19 Interview with KLMC 86 Figure 20 Identified Waste Data Collection System in Pristina 86 Figure 21 Plastic Waste in a Waste Container in Dardania 87 Figure 22 Unseparated Waste in a Waste Container in Dardania 87 Figure 23 Collected Waste Quantity 88 Figure 24 Percentage of Organics in Waste 88 Figure 25 Percentage of Plastics in Waste 88 Figure 26 Interview with Household 88 Figure 27 After Interview with Pastrimi 89 Figure 28 An Individual Collector Collecting Waste 90 Figure 29 Waste Flow in Pristina Municipality 91 Figure 30 Education Level of Residents 97 Figure 31 Waste Materials with Higher Value According to Residents 97 Figure 32 Households Motivations to Separate Waste 98 Figure 33 Types of Small Businesses 99 Figure 34 Education Level of Small Business Owners 99 Left Page Figure 35 Waste Materials with Higher Value According to Small Business Owners 99 Dardania Neighbourhood Figure 36 Small Businesses Owners Motivations to Separate Waste 100 Photo: Rucha Kelkar

128 129 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo

Figure 37 Group Work 102 Figure 38 Awareness Group 102 Figure 39 Waste Composition in Dardania 108 Figure 40 Storage Module Containers 109 Figure 41 WB Location in Dardania 111 Figure 42 WB Location in Dardania 111 Figure 43 WB Model 1.a - Avdiu 112 Figure 44 WB Model 1.b - Avdiu 112 Figure 45 WB Model 2.a 112 Figure 46 WB Model 2.b 112 Figure 47 Scaling up Map Pristina 114 Figure 48 Meeting at the Department of Economic Development, Municipality of Gjilan 119 Figure 49 Storage of Compressed Recyclable Materials at Reciklimi’s Headquarters 120

List of Tables

Table 1 Stakeholder Analysis of Pristina 40 Table 2 Average Cost of SWM Services per Household per Month Incurred by Pastrimi, 2014 43 Table 3 Annual Operational Costs Incurred by Pastrimi, 2016 44 Table 4 Annual Administrative Costs Incurred by Pastrimi, 2014 44 Table 5 Cost of the Pilot Project in Dardania 47 Table 6 Capital Costs for Scaling-up 21 Waste Banks across the City 47 Table 7 Prices Paid by Material and Buyer 54 Table 8 Biggest Challenges of Recycle Value Chain 56 Table 9 Estimated Costs of Green Recycling 58 Table 10 The Economic Impacts on the Individual Collectors 60 Table 11 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Indonesian Waste Bank System 62 Table 12 Stakeholder Analysis 76 Table 13 Summary of the Status of Waste Data Collection and Reporting/ Monitoring of Six Stakeholders 85 Table 14 Composition Average of Household Waste in Pristina in 2011 87 Table 15 Awareness Raising Tools Recommended for Each Target Group 102 Right Page Table 16 Container Volume Design 108 IZOLIMI Plast Recycling Plant Table 17 Container Volume Design (Rectangular) for Three Fractions 108 Photo: Anna Marie Walter Table 18 External Factor Evaluation Matrix 115

130 Interviews and Questionnaires

Interviews and Questionnaires

List of Interviews

Aliu, Abit (Kosovo Landfill Management Company ) Office of Kosovo Landfill 22/06/2016 Management Company, Pristina Azemi, Valdet (Green Recycling/SRI) GIZ Offices, Pristina 22/06/2016 Hyseni, Mimoza (Kosovo Environmental Office of Kosovo Environmental 23/06/2016 Protection Agency) Protection Agency, Pristina Kabashi, Trim (European Center for ECMI Offices, Pristina 23/06/2016 Minority Issues Kosovo - ECMI) Latifaj, Fatos (Owner of the Company Reciklimi) Company Riciklimi, Gjilan 23/06/2016 Marku, Liza (USAID) USAID Offices, Pristina 22/06/2016 N. N. (Waste Pickers) Pristina 23/06/2016 Qerimi, Rudina (GIZ) GIZ Offices, Pristina 20-23/06/2016, 07/2016 Qorri, Habib (Municipality of Pristina) Municipality Building, Pristina 21/06/2016 Gashi, Dukagjin (Municipality of Pristina) Municipality Building, Pristina 21/06/2016 Mehmetukaj, Fatbardha (Municipality of Pristina) Municipality Building, Pristina 21/06/2016 Rama, Aldan (Izolimi Plast Company) Office of Izolimi, 24/06/2016 Recycling Site of Izolimi, Pristina Salihu, Feim (Chief Executive of Pastrimi) Office of Pastrimi, Pristina 22-23/06/2016 Zuzaku, Agim (Director of Economic GIZ Offices, Pristina Development for the Municipality of Gjilan) 23/06/2016

Interviews

Interview 1

Name and surname of interviewees: 1. What is your opinion about Waste Bank?

-- Qorri, Habib The municipality and also Ecofriend Company -- Gashi, Dukagjin conceived it as a measure to promote separation at -- Mehmetukaj, Fatbardha sourc. They think will be successful in fostering the will to recycle. Institution: Municipality Waste management rule for the municipality is also Place: Pristina, Kosovo being drafted. Left Page Date: 21.06.2016 Plastic Waste Photo: Galuh Rohmah

133 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Interviews and Questionnaires

2. What is the Budget for waste management? tion by putting in conditioning measures. For 1 complaints/PR officer, 1 IT officer, 2 maintenance 200,010 Euros collected as waste fee only from the example, if the households want to register their officers; households. Presently the Waste management budget is cars, then they have to pay property tax and when 3 people are already working, 3 more would be Big shopping malls do not pay the fees and busi- included in the Public Works segment of municipal they pay property tax they have to prove that they employed. nesses are paying low fees. They scatter their wastes budget. The waste management unit has been have paid the waste fee. For the businesses for in small quantities in different containers. established now and will have separate budget from example, when a café wants to use the terrace, they Private companies are not monitored and they avoid next year. After the operations change – from PoE to can get the permit if they pay the waste fee. the gate fee. the Municipality, the budget will be more defined. Also a part of the profit that the private company Interview 2 Last month fee collection rate was total 75%. 67% The fee collection will also be done by the munici- makes by collecting the recyclables in the waste from the households pality from 2017. They are in the process of planning bank will go to the neighbourhood schools or Name and surname of interviewee: Main problem was the new collection time and the budget and the timeline. within the community and will contribute to the people need to adapt to the new timing in order to education of the children or enhancing the services -S- alihu, Feim increase collection. Waste pickers could then come 3. What is the cost of the containers? within the neighbourhood. When the citizens are at night to collect the recyclables from the container made aware of this system, they would be encour- Institution: Pastrimi sites, instead of collecting in the morning. 90,000 euro aged to sort at source. Place: Pristina, Kosovo Waste pickers litter around the container sites Date: 22.06.2016 making it difficult for Pastrimi to empty and collect • Installation and maintenance cost? 7. What is the intended target of fee collection waste. They are concerned about the hygiene of the • Cost of land for the waste bank? rates? 1. What is the collection coverage now? place and that the citizens might blame Pastrimi for • Budget for improvement of container site? not doing their job. • Frequency of improving the container sites. We want to collect 100% Pastrimi is obliged to collect waste and transport • Maintenance cost of container sites. to the landfill sites. Almost 100% coverage of waste 2. What are the company costs- gate fee, (These were not available with them) 8. Would the collected fee would be enough to run collection in Pristina city. machinery, man power etc.? the waste banks? Will any more funding be required? 10-15 percent of waste does not go to the landfill. 4. Who will be in charge of managing the container Waste collected 200 tonnes/day -- 10 percent increase in employment. Average sites, if municipality is involved then what is the If they achieve intended targets, they hope it would 47 trucks to transport waste in total. 15-17 trucks are salary of workers 250 euros + 2.5 euros per cost? be enough for running the entire waste manage- used per day depending on the requirement. Trucks day for food. The maximum salary is 500 ment system, not only the waste banks. And in have capacity of 10 -16 m3. euros. The container sites are now managed by the PoE. any case it is their duty to provide waste collection 1600-1700 containers in Pristina -- 6.10 euros per tonnes as gate fee to KLMC for In future when the operations change, it will be service and they would have to manage somehow. 2 modes of waste collection: landfill the contracted company who will be in charge of -- 50,000 – 60,000 euros per month is landfill fee maintaining the container sites (it could be also 9. Management of waste? -- Door-to-door collection for outskirts and -M- aintenance for 1 container approx. 50 euros Pastrimi if they get the contract). The costs will be periphery of the city, once a week per year. 1 container can be used for 3 years. determined later. The municipality will own the Pilot Project and -E- mptying containers (1.1 cu.m.), once a day. 1 new container costs 270 euros. To replace will steer the operations and set all quality control Also sometimes 2-3 times depending on the 1 wheel in a container is 9 euros. They have 5. Positive impacts / financial gains for municipality. standards. requirement/density of the zone made 500,000 capital investments this year.

-- Separation at source 10. What is lacking to achieve desired targets? Previously the collection was done at night. But 3 ways to collect fees from households: -L- ess waste to landfill starting from this year January, the collection is now -L- ess gate fees at landfill Hope to learn the good practices from the pilot done between 07-15 hrs. -- 40 Fee Collectors in Pristina. Each has 1200- -G- ood image of the city for promoting recy- project in Dardania and use them to scale up. This Difficult to put in more containers and reduce trans- 1300 bills amounting to 4000-5000 euros. cling is a new venture for the municipality and they will port costs due to space constraints. They get 9% as commission or 360 euros on -I- nvolving the citizens as well as the informal learn more as the project progresses. Fee structure: average as salary. waste pickers -- 8 fee collection points in the city where citi- 11. What is the Administrative structure of Waste -- 4.65 euros for Households zens can go and pay directly 6. How can the fee collection rate be improved? Management Unit in municipality? -- 6 - 9 euros, 16 – 18 euros for businesses -B- ank transfers. But it costs an additional 1 -- 12 euros per container of 1.1 m3. euro. The Municipality intends to improve the fee collec- Total 6 people, 1 head of sector, 1 operation officer,

134 135 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Questionnaires

Questionnaires Debt – 1.2 million in debts till 2015 (KLMC +taxes) Waste fee is enough to pay salaries of employees and day-to-day operational costs. But need funds English Albanian for capital investment. Donors, national government, municipality could support by buying equip- Awareness Raising Campaign and Education Fushata per ndergjegjesim dhe edukim ambiental ment and other infrastructure costs. Questionnaire Dardania Households and Small Pyetesor per familjet ne Dardania dhe bizneset e Businesses vogla 3. Can segregated costs be achieved for Dardania? Household__ Small business__ Familjet__ Bizneset e vogla__ -D- ardania collection – 60 tonnes/day Demographics_ Te dhenat demografike _ Gender___ Age__ Education__ Gjinia___ Mosha__ Edukimi__ 4. What is their opinion on transferring their func- Type of business__ Lloji i biznesit__ tions to municipalities? Type of waste__ Lloji i mbeturinave__

-P- astrimi is not satisfied with the role munici- A) Waste separation A) Ndarja e mbeturinave pality is playing presently. According to Pastrimi Municipality could monitor better 1. Under which circumstances would you separate 1. Ne qfare rrethana do t‘i ndanit mbeturinat? and enforce rules more stringently. your waste? Shembull (nese kane nevoje)

Examples (in case people need them) • Motivimi mjedisor • Motivimi ekonomik, nese e dini se ju do te • Environmental motivation paguani me shume per hedhjen e mbeturinave • Economic motivation, if you knew you will pay te pandara more for unsorted waste disposal • Motivimi social, nese e dini se ju do te kontri- • Social motivation, if you knew you will boni ne edukimin e femijeve tuaj ne kuader contribute to your children’s education te programit Eco-friend, ose nese e dini se do through eco-friend program or if you knew you te mbeshtetni mbledhesit e mbeturinave . are going to improve the waste pickers lifestyle 2. A keni njohuri rreth riciklimit? 2. Do you know anything about recycling? Nese po, qfare ?

If yes, what do you know? Which recycled materials Cilat materiale te riciklueshme mendoni se kane do you think have higher value? vlere me te madhe? Si dhe ku i hedhni baterite dhe How do you dispose batteries and bulbs? llambat?

B) Waste Bank B) Vendgrumbullim i mbeturinave te riciklueshme

1. Do you know a waste bank will be placed in this 1. A e dini se nje vendgrumbullim i mbeturinave te neighbourhood? riciklueshme do te vendoset ne lagjen tuaj ?

If yes, are you ok with it operating here? If no, do you Nese po, a pranoni qe ajo te operoje ketu? Nese jo, a like the idea of a waste bank? ju pelqen ideja e vendgrumbullimit te mbeturinave te riciklueshme?

136 137 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Personal Profiles

Personal Profiles

Tarek Alkhateeb is from Syria and has a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering Bruno Dias Lana was born in Brazil in 1988. He holds a Bachelor degree in from Al-Baath University, Homs, Syria. Since graduating, he has worked in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV-MG). the housing and energy sectors. He is currently in Berlin doing a Master His main work experience is as an architect and urban planner for the public degree in Urban Management at TU Berlin. His interest is in sustainable administration of Contagem (MG) from 2012 to 2015. He intends to focus his development strategies. career on urban development and management, mainly in South America’s largest cities.

Weng Ian (Anna) Au was awarded a Bachelor degree in Public Health from Mariana Enriquez Portillo was born in Mexico. She holds a Bachelor degree Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taiwan in 2013. Also a librarian by profes- in Architecture and a degree in Valuation from Universidad Autónoma de sion, she started work as the secretary of Macao Library and Information Chihuahua. Prior to her enrolment in the Urban Management Master course Management Association after graduation so as to take part in the promo- at TU Berlin, she gained professional experience working as a designer and tion of reading culture and literacy in Macao. Later, in 2015, she completed budget consultant. She has participated in many national and international the Tour Guide course offered by IFT and obtained her tour guide license. competitions developing conceptual projects in the fields of architecture, interior design and social awareness.

Nathalie Bekdache holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration Gabriela Issa graduated in 2011 as an architect and urbanist from the from the American University of Beirut and a Master degree in International University of Brasília (FAU-UnB). She currently works in public administra- Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts tion in her home town, Anápolis (GO). University in Boston. Prior to joining the Urban Management program, she conducted research on civilian protection in Libya and subsequently joined International Alert in Lebanon, where she led projects focusing on citizen- state relations.

Antonia Burchard-Levine received a Bachelor degree in International Swapnil Kangankar was born in India in 1988. He holds a Bachelor degree Development from McGill University in Montreal. Afterwards, she collabo- in Architecture from the Sir JJ college of Architecture in Mumbai, India. He rated in a number of international cooperation projects in Panama, China, began working professionally in Mumbai as an architect, focusing mainly on and Mexico, before commencing her Master degree in Urban Management institutional and residential projects and later as a project architect for the at TU Berlin. In the future, Antonia is interested in conducting research on Bihar Museum in collaboration with the Japanese architecture firm Maki and transit-oriented development and housing issues in Mexico City. Associates. Currently, he is enrolled in the Urban Management program at TU Berlin and his core interests lie in research and development of affordable alternatives for the housing crisis in the Global South. Portraits of Urban Management Students Photos: Authors

138 139 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Personal Profiles

Rucha Kelkar obtained her Bachelor degree in Architecture from India. Lea Nassif El Ksayer earned her Bachelor degree in Architecture at the Her previous experience is in architectural design projects and sustain- American University of Beirut in 2009, where she also completed a degree in able construction techniques. She pursued a PG diploma in Sustainable Engineering Management. Since her graduation, Lea has worked on various Management of Natural Resources prior to joining the Urban Management architecture projects in Beirut and the MENA region. She has also acquired Master program at TU Berlin. Rucha is interested in alternative housing, experience in sustainability and green technologies. Prior to her enrolment place-making and sustainable urban development. in the Urban Management program at TU Berlin, Lea took part in various bio- construction workshops in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Amar Kulkarni is an artist and architect from Pune, India. Before being Alokananda Nath is an architect and urban planner from India. She has a admitted to the Urban Management program at TU Berlin he worked in Bachelor degree in Architecture from Kolkata and a Master degree in Urban several fields, such as architecture, urban design and planning, environment and Regional Planning from Ahmedabad. After working for four and half and graphic design. He is exploring and carrying out personal research on years in the urban development sector in India, she has returned to the urban spaces. He is also directing a feature documentary film in India on academic world to pursue a second Master degree in Urban Management urban spaces, titled ‘The Space Within’. As an artist and architect, he is inter- from TU Berlin. She is interested in inclusive development, affordable ested in working in the fields of art, filmmaking, urban planning and nature housing and smart cities. conservation.

Naomi Milstein relocated to Austria shortly after completing her Bachelor Galuh Ainur Rohmah received a Bachelor degree in Urban and Regional degree in International Relations at the College of Wooster (Ohio, USA) in Planning in Indonesia. Afterwards, she was involved in many urban planning 2012. Now studying Urban Management at TU Berlin, she has worked on a projects and gained experience working as an urban planner and in busi- project in Dortmund on brain drain and quality of life in urban industrial ness development in the real estate sector before commencing her Master areas and will be continuing in this field of study while writing her Master degree in Urban Management at TU Berlin. In the future, Galuh is interested thesis on urban competitiveness and quality of life indicators. in working in smart cities and housing development.

María Rosa Muñoz Barriga is a 27-year-old Ecuadorian economist. After working Jorge Mariano Rossi obtained a Bachelor degree in Political Science from the as a research assistant and a junior researcher for four years in the Research University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He possesses several years of experi- Institute of the Municipality of Quito, “Instituto de la Ciudad”, she developed ence at different levels of public management and has worked in infrastruc- certain knowledge, understanding and skills which turned urban issues into ture, services and the urban policies field in Argentina. With a solid academic her major field of interest. Accordingly, she decided to pursue a career in the background in public policies, he is now focusing on Urban Development urban field and develop her skills further, which led her to apply to the Urban Studies in the Urban Management Master program at TU Berlin. Mariano Management Master program at the Technical University of Berlin. In the future, aspires to develop solutions to achieve inclusive cities with social justice as she would like to continue conducting urban research with the aim of contrib- the ultimate goal. uting to more informed, structured and strategic decision making in the Global South.

140 141 Solid Waste Management in Kosovo Personal Profiles

Mozhdeh Saeidkhani is an urban planner from Iran. She has a Bachelor Huiwen Tang holds a Bachelor degree in Public Administration from degree in Geography and Rural Planning and a Master degree in Geography the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing and Urban Planning from Iran. After working for five years as a human (China) and a Master of Economics degree from the University of Konstanz resource manager and lecturer in a non-governmental university in Iran, (Germany). Prior to her enrolment at the Technical University of Berlin for she has returned to the academic world to pursue a second Master degree, the Master degree in Urban Management, she was appointed as Investment in Urban Management from TU Berlin. She is interested in urban gover- Project Manager in Shenwan & Hongyuan Securities Co. Ltd., one of the top nance, public transportation and social capital. three security companies in China. In 2007, she took a nine-month internship at Daimler AG in Beijing.

Angela Sanchez Zambrano is an architect with a degree in Urban Design Rafael Valladares Rodas received a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from the National University of Colombia. She has worked on urban issues from Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC), in Tegucigalpa, such as planning, regulation, design, and in the application of land manage- Honduras. With over ten years of experience in the area of engineering and ment instruments. This work has been mainly developed in the public having participated in more than 15 projects at the national level for the sector. She has carried out technical coordination of projects for public public and the private sector, Rafael also worked from 2014 to 2015, as ‘ad institutions in Bogotá such as the Secretary of Planning and Metrovivienda, honorem’ advisor of the developing committee of the Municipality of Danlí, as well as for other public offices in the region of Bogotá Savanna. She has Honduras. lately joined a civil organization which supports communities to develop bottom-up initiatives and self-help management projects.

Samuel Dordowa Benya Senesie is a Sierra Leonean and holds a Bachelor Anna Marie Walter received a Bachelor degree in International Studies degree with honors in Civil Engineering from the University of Sierra from the University of New Orleans in Louisiana, USA. Before commencing Leone. He has over eight years’ post-graduate working experience in both her Master degree in Urban Management at TU Berlin, she worked with a the private and public sectors. For five years, he worked with city and non-profit organization focusing on immigration issues for Latinos in the district councils in Sierra Leone as head of the Civil Works Department with city of New Orleans, and most recently, with GIZ in Chile. Currently, Anna is responsibility for planning, design, implementation and management of conducting research on crime prevention in urban areas, with a focus on her civil works projects. Currently enrolled in the Urban Management Master home city, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. program, he is interested in working on sustainable low-income housing planning, design and finance.

Sharmila Shrestha is an architect from Nepal. She received her Bachelor degree from the Institute of Engineering, Phulchowk campus in Lalitpur. Before moving to Berlin, she worked for over four years on various architectural projects dotted around the urban scene of the Kathmandu Valley. She is interested in resilient urban housing development.

142 143 Technische Universität Berlin / Berlin University of Technology

Urban Management Program Faculty VI Planning Building Environment Sekr. HBS 5 Hardenbergstr. 16-18 10623 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany

Phone: + 49-30-314-21468 Fax: + 49-30-314-27323 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.urbanmanagement.tu-berlin.de

ISBN 978-3-981279-6-1