National Strategy on Waste Management 2016-2030 and Action Plan 2016-2020

Action implemented by: National Waste Management Strategy 2016-2030 and National Waste Management Action Plan 2022-2026 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES 3 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: ABBREVIATIONS AA Association Agreement BMW Biodegradable Municipal Waste is biodegradable waste from the house-holds and other waste which, due to its nature or composition, C&DW Construction and demolition waste CB Capacity building EAC Environmental Assessment Code EC European Council ELT End-of-life tire ELV End-of-life vehicle EPR Extended Producer’s Responsibility EU European Union GEOSTAT National Statistics Office of Georgia GEL Georgian Lari (national unit of currency) GoG Government of Georgia HW Hazardous waste Kg/d/inh Kilograms per inhabitant per day Kg/y Kilograms per year MEPA Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture MoESD Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development MoF Ministry of Finance MRDI Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure MRF Materials Recovery Facility MSW Municipal solid waste MSWM Municipal solid waste management N/A Not applicable NEA National Environmental Agency NGO Non-governmental Organization NPWPP National Plastic Waste Prevention Program for Georgia NWMP National Waste Management Plan NWMAP National Waste Management Action Plan NWMS National Waste Management Strategy PC Polycarbonates PE Polyethylene or polythene PET Polyethylene terephthalate RECC Caucasus Regional Environmental Centre (a local NGO) SWMCG Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia – a LTD under MRDI, managing regional landfills t Metric ton TSG Tbilservice Group t/y Metric tons per year WBA Waste Batteries and Accumulators WGI Waste Generation Index WEEE Waste Electronic and Electric Equipment WMC Waste Management Code of Georgia 4 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Table of Content 8 11 1. Intoduction 5 2. Existing Situation and Challenges 7 2.1. Legislation 7 2.1.1. Challenges in the field of legislation 7 2.2. Waste Management Planning 8 2.2.1. Challenges in the field of waste management planning 8 Challenges in the field of waste management planning 2.3. Waste Collection and Transportation 8 2.3.1 Municipal waste 8 2.3.2 Hazardous Waste 10 2.3.3 Medical Waste 10 2.3.4 Construction and demolition Waste 10 2.3.5. Challenges in the field of waste collection and transportation 2.4. Landfills 11 2.4.1. Dumpsites 12 2.4.2. Challenges in the field of landfills 12 2.5. Waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery 12 2.5.1. Challenges in the field of waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery 12 2.6. Cost Recovery 13 2.6.1. Chalenges in the field of Cost Recovery 13 2.7. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 13 2.7.1. Specific waste streams of Extended Producer Responsibility 14 2.7.2. Challenges in the field of Extended Producer Responsibility 14 2.8. Waste Data 14 2.8.1. Challenges in the field of waste 15 2.9. Management Capabilities 15 2.9.1. Challenges in field of waste management capacity 15 2.10. Hazardous waste management 16 2.10.1. Challenges in the field of hazardous waste management 16 2.11. Plastic waste management 16 2.11.1. Challenges in the field of plastic waste management 16 2.12. Biodegradable waste management 17 2.12.1. Challenges in the field of biodegradable waste management 17 2.13. Construction and demolition waste management 17 2.13.1. Challenges in the field of construction and demolition waste 17 3. Strategic directions of waste management 18 3.1. Hierarchy and Principles 18 3.2. Vision, Objectives and Targets 19 4. Effects of Strategy 23 4 5 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 1. Introduction The National Waste Management Strategy 2016-2030 (hereinafter - the strategy) has been developed on the basis of the Waste Management Code. The purpose of the strategy is to determine the country’s waste management policy and set the national targets for a 15-year period. National Waste Management Strategy plays a key role in achieving a resource-efficient and sustainable waste management - through gradual convergence with the European Waste Management policy and legislation. To achieve the objectives of the strategy, a national waste management action plan (hereinafter - action plan) is to be developed. The National Waste Management Action Plan (NWMAP) covers a period of 5 years and is an integral part of NWMS. The action plan identifies the measures to be taken for the implementation of the highest level in the waste management hierarchy calculated for the respective medium-term periods. In total, two action plans have been developed. The second National Waste Management Action Plan covers the period of 2022-2026. To develop the Strategy, a Logical Framework Approach (LFA) has been applied by assessing the actual situation and the related challenges and issues currently facing the waste management sector. Based on this, the overall objectives and how to overcome the challenges have then been identified. For each Objective (with no specific deadline) a set of Targets (including a time target) have been set in the Strategy. A number of Actions are required to be implemented to meet each Target. These Actions form the main content of the Action Plan. The LFA approach can be outlined as: • Vision • Objectives (to meet the Vision) • Targets (to meet the Objectives) • Actions (to meet the Targets) The approach entails a number of short-, medium- and long-term Targets while the Actions must be very concise and have specific deadlines. The LFA approach will allow for the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) to monitor progress and report every three years to the Government in a very concise manner. The Strategy covers the waste generated by industry, service sector (offices, etc.), hospitals, agricultural sector, households, etc. According to its properties waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous. Furthermore, waste characteristics vary e.g., Construction and demolition (stable), biodegradable, etc. Given the complexity of waste management, the strategy strives to set more general objectives for all types of waste (except for radioactive waste and obsolete Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with emphasis on specific waste streams). It should be noted that the international experience justifies that the development of a comprehensive waste management system in line with the most advanced countries in the world is a lengthy process. The present Strategy has a strong focus on laying the foundation for Georgia to be able to design and develop a comprehensive waste management system gradually, in accordance with the best international practices as the socio-economic situation in the future will allow for. 6 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Therefore, the Strategy has a strong emphasis on capacity building (competent staff, fiscal means, administrative systems, etc.) in all spheres of government and on awareness raising activities in general. The objectives, targets, and actions are assembled in the following thirteen sections: 1. Legislation 2. Waste Planning 3. Waste Collection and Transport 4. Landfills 5. Prevention and Treatment (Reuse, Recycling, and Recovery) 6. Cost recovery 7. Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) 8. Waste Data and Information Management System 9. Capacity Development and Awareness Raising 10. Hazardous Waste Management 11. Plastic Waste Management 12. Biodegradable Waste Management 13. Construction and Demolition Waste Management 7 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2. Existing Situation and Challenges Several positive steps have been taken in recent in waste management field in Georgia. However, since the challenges had been accumulating in the sector for years, there is an urgent need for introduction of a systemic approach and implementation of effective actions. The existing situation and challenges are described in brief for each priority sections. 2.1. Legislation The Waste Management Code of Georgia (hereinafter – ‘the code’) was adopted on December 26, 2014 and came into force in January 2015. The Code is based on the principles and approaches envisaged by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA) and best international practices, taking into account the requirements of European waste management policy framework and legislation. The Waste Management Code regulates waste prevention and re-use, waste recovery, recycling and safe disposal. The code describes: i. requirements for waste classification, accounting and reporting, collection, transportation and pre-treatment; ii. municipal, medical and hazardous waste management; iii. the arrangement, operation, closure and further maintenance of the landfill; iv. incineration and co-incineration and others. Based on the Waste Management Code, twenty by-laws have been adopted, including those related to Extended Producer Responsibility. In the field of waste management, Georgia is a party to the Basel Conventions on “Transboundary Transportation of Hazardous Wastes and Control of Their Disposal” and Stockholm Conventions on “Persistent Organic Pollutants”. Waste management targets set by Georgia play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nationalized by the country. In particular, Target 11.6 of Objective 11: “Inclusive, safe and sustainable development of cities and settlements” refers to the reduction of negative environmental impact per capita in large cities, including municipal and other waste management issues. To achieve the abovementioned task, the country should fully ensure the regular collection, processing and disposal of generated waste. Transboundary movement of waste in the territory of Georgia is regulated by the Law “On Import, Export and Transit of Waste”. Work is underway on the revision of existing law. Also, the legislation on mining waste management is under development. Enforcement of the provisions of the Waste Management Code and the requirements of international conventions is extremely important and this process needs to be improved both at the national and local levels. Illegal littering still takes place in protected areas and at tourist complexes. Several illegal dumpsites are still in function and companies do not comply with the existing legal requirements for waste management. Therefore, further transposition of EU waste legislation, its effective implementation and enforcement are crucial for the establishment of the robust waste management system throughout the country. 2.1.1. Challenges in the field of legislation Challenges in the field of legislation, call for: • Further transposition of EU requirements of the AA and international conventions into the national legislation • Full implementation of national and international requirements • Strengthening of enforcement 8 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.2. Waste Management Planning There has been no legal requirement until the adoption of the new Code. None of the municipalities had municipal waste management plans. Private companies were also not obliged to have a waste management plan and only some of those subject to environmental permit were required to obtain one. The Waste Management Code requires the establishment of a comprehensive waste management planning system in the country. It defines the obligation of the MEPA to develop a 15-year national waste management strategy, and a 5-year national waste management action plan. Moreover, it prescribes the obligations of municipalities to prepare municipal waste management plans. In addition, major companies (that produce waste above certain legally defined thresholds) shall develop a company waste management plan and also designate an environmental manager. In accordance to the Waste Management Code, the National Waste Management Strategy (2016-2030) and the first five-year national waste management action plan (2016-2020) were adopted in 2016. In addition, all municipalities have developed and adopted a five-year municipal waste management action plan, and companies have drown out company waste management plans. The second national waste management action plan 2022-2026 incorporates modified targets and addresses issues of plastic, bio-degradable and hazardous waste, as well as the requirements for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and construction and demolition waste management. 2.2.1. Challenges in the field of waste management planning Challenges in the field of waste management planning, call for: • Improvement of municipal waste management planning • Updating the municipal waste management plans in accordance with the updated national waste management strategy and national action plan • Qualitative improvement of companies’ waste management plans 2.3. Waste Collection and Transportation 2.3.1. Municipal waste Currently, municipal waste collection, recycling and disposal system in Georgia requires significant reforms and alignment with the international standards with the active involvement of relevant stakeholders. Municipal waste quantities, for 2020 and 2021 were projected by using the Waste Generation Index (WGIs) for urban and rural areas. When calculating, the index for each municipality relied on the data concerning: municipal waste quantities collected/landfilled and municipal waste collection/service coverage rates by urban and rural areas. Upon calculation, the 2020 average WGI was 0.95 kg/inh/d (kilogram per inhabitant per day) for urban areas and 0.54 kg/inh/d for rural areas. The total amount of the municipal waste generated was 1,061,007 tons, with 760,942 generated in urban areas and 300,065 tons in rural areas. Subsequently, the total municipal waste generated in 2021 was 1,104,952 tons, with 768,257 tons generated in urban areas and 336,695 tons in rural areas. 9 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: the waste 5.8% Kvemo-Kartli 16.1% Samtskhe-Javakheti 3.4% Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemosvaneti 0.6% Kakheti 6.3% Imereti 11.1% Guria 2.3% Adjara 8.9% Samegrelo - Zemo Svaneti 7% Tbilisi 36.6% The analysis of the typical composition of generated waste streams and the shares of different components in them show that municipal waste includes organic waste (54.7%), plastic waste (13.8%), paper and cardboard (10.6%), textiles (4.1%), construction and demolition waste (2.5%), glass (2.3%), metal (1.4%) and other waste (11%). Organic and recyclable wastes are represented in large quantities in the composition of the waste, which is the basis for developing a scheme of recycling and recovery processes to be introduced during the five-year planning period. Estimation of future waste generation rates is an important part of the design and operation of waste management systems in Georgia. Taking into account the growing population and the tourism sector development trends forecast in Georgia as well as the results of analyses of the various national studies on the modelling of waste production and its extrapolation for the period up to 2030 shows that waste generation will increase by 0.6-1.2% annually in Georgia. According to the Code, the collection and transportation of municipal waste, including household waste, are the responsibility of the municipalities. At present, there are no established systems for separation of municipal waste in Georgia. Thus, the existing municipal waste management system includes waste collection and disposal only. The current overall Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection/service coverage rate is 88.89%, with 97.56% reported for urban areas and 63.56% for rural areas. Figure 2. Municipal waste Generation by Regions 10 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: For waste collection, mainly metal or plastic containers and bins with a capacity of 1,100 liters are used. Most of the rural settlements in Georgia are not equipped with these containers and local populations are served through the ”bell system”. In most municipalities, urban Municipal Waste collection occurs twice a day. Collection in rural areas is usually two or three times per week. During high season, touristic rural and urban areas see more frequent collection. Waste collection services are mostly provided by non-commercial non-entrepreneurial legal entities of private law established by the public operators (state, municipalities). Some practice of private involvement in the waste management sector exists in Georgia, but no clear policy on public-private partnership exists on the matter. Municipalities are responsible for collecting and transporting municipal waste to the landfills as well as cleaning the streets within their administrative boundaries. An analysis of the current situation of waste collection revealed that most of the equipment (garbage trucks, containers, and bins) in almost all municipalities (except large cities) are obsolete or damaged. Although the National Waste Management Policy prioritizes waste prevention and recycling, currently municipal waste collected throughout the country is mostly disposed of on landfills. Collection/processing of biodegradable waste is partly carried out in several municipalities - Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Marneuli. 2.3.2. Hazardous Waste There is no system of separate collection of municipal hazardous waste in the country. The hazardous waste, together with other municipal waste, ends up in a non-hazardous waste dump, which poses a threat to the environment and human health. Collection of hazardous waste from industrial and commercial facilities is organized and carried out by authorized private companies. Waste is transported to treatment or temporary storage facilities. There are 50 registered companies for implementation of activities related to hazardous waste management (collection, transportation, temporary storage), and 45 companies have received environmental permits on waste treatment activities. 2.3.3. Medical Waste Responsibility for sound management of healthcare waste within its premises lays with the medical institutions and is regulated and controlled by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. Not all medical institutions have contractual agreement with a healthcare waste operator, therefore some portion of healthcare waste is still being disposed of at landfills without any pre-treatment. 2.3.4. Construction and demolition Waste More than 2 million tons of construction and demolition waste is generated annually in Georgia. The small scale of the construction and demolition waste processing industry and limited business interest lead to the uncontrolled disposal of construction and demolition waste in many cases. Part of the construction and demolition waste is used by the municipality as a source of fill (rather than utilizing higher-grade material which could be put to more sustainable uses). It is a big challenge to create a system for collecting and processing construction and demolition waste in the country. 11 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.3.5. Challenges in the field of waste collection and transportation The challenges in the field of waste collection and transportation require: • Full coverage of municipal waste collection throughout Georgia • Upgrading the waste collection and transportation facilities • The establishment of separate collection of municipal waste • The establishment of a public-private partnership models in municipal waste collection 2.4. Landfills There are 61 landfills registered in Georgia (54 under the management of Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia and 5 landfills in the A/R municipalities of Adjara, 1 in Tbilisi and 1 private landfill of BP). 24 landfills were closed by the Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia due to high environmental risks, and compliance measures were implemented at 30 landfills and they continue to operate in the transition period. At the landfill, waste is compacted and regularly covered with an insulating layer of clay soil, an access road is arranged, fenced and protected by checkpoints. However, these landfills do not fully meet the requirements of a non-hazardous waste landfill (complete sealing is not provided, they do not have protective layers, geomembrane, drainage systems and wastewater is not properly treated through effective technology). Waste is disposed of at these landfills without separation. It is important to note that various improvements are being made concerning landfills. Work is currently underway on 6 regional non-hazardous waste landfills (Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti; Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti; Kakheti; Kvemo Kartli; Samtskhe-Javakheti; Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Tianeti). Feasibility studies and environmental impact assessment documents have been conducted or are being prepared by regions. Additionally, the construction of a new sanitary landfill in Adjara, which fully meets international and national standards, is nearing completion. Although Tbilisi landfill is arranged according to international standards and biogas collection pipes are installed on the landfill, the generated biogas is released into the ambient air without treatment. Accordingly, the construction/ renovation of the gas extraction system, the collection basin and the treatment facility for the leachate collected at the landfill are underway. The construction of a new non-hazardous waste landfill site for solid household waste in Adjara is underway, which fully meets international requirements. 3 companies are responsible for the management of non-hazardous waste landfills: • LTD “Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia” - throughout the country (except the Tbilisi City Municipality and the territory of Adjara AR), • LTD “Adjara Waste Management Company” - in the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and • LTD “Tbilservice Group” - in Tbilisi. There are no landfills for construction and demolition waste, and these wastes are used in the process of quarry restoration in a number of municipalities. Some municipal landfills have a dedicated cell for asbestos-containing construction waste. It should be noted that there is no landfill for the disposal of hazardous waste such as slag, ash and other specific waste streams. 12 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.4.1. Dumpsites Illegal dumpsites are a serious concern in Georgia given the fact that Municipal Waste collection coverage is poor in rural areas, thus leading local communities to dump their household waste in close proximity to their residences (riverbanks, roadsides, etc.). Municipalities systematically detect, clean and close such landfills. 2.4.2. Challenges in the field of landfills The challenges in the field of landfills call for: • Arrangement of new regional sanitary landfills in accordance with EU standards and to close existing unauthorized landfills • Closure of natural landfills • Arranging landfills for hazardous and construction and demolition waste 2.5. Waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery Waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery practices are less developed in Georgia. Various types of municipal waste are collected and recycled in Georgia, mainly: • Paper - Paper and cardboard waste recycling is the most prominent in Georgia. It involves several companies. Owing to the high price of recycled paper on the international market, part of this waste is exported. Georgian companies mainly produce cardboard packaging and hygienic paper for local consumption. • Plastic - Up to 25 companies process plastic waste in Georgia. Their total design capacity is about 184,000 tons per year. There are also companies in Georgia that export plastic waste, especially plastic bottles, to Turkey, Ukraine, and Iran. • Metal - aluminum and metal recycling is carried out by several companies in Georgia. The input material in the recycling process is made of aluminum and metal molds, which is used to make various products. Since this type of waste is valuable, it is typically sold to scrap metal collectors in exchange for a payment. Therefore, such waste is found in very small quantities in Georgian landfills. • Glass - In Georgia, an average of 1000 tons of glass waste is collected and processed annually. There are 50 registered companies for the implementation of activities related to hazardous waste management (collection, transportation, temporary storage), and 45 companies have received environmental permits for waste treatment activities. Treatment of medical hazardous waste is mainly carried out by incineration without energy recovery, while some industrial wastes (oils, batteries, electronic waste) are treated by recovery. 2.5.1. Challenges in the field of waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery Challenges in prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery call for: • Enhancement of waste prevention mechanisms • Establishment of well-functioning waste separation system • Increase of the number of waste recovery facilities • Introduction of incentive mechanisms in the areas of waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery 13 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.6. Cost Recovery In accordance with the “polluter pays principle”, the waste producer is obliged to handle the waste generated as a result of the manufacturing process, namely to transfer it to a registered company with an environmental permit for collection and treatment. Respectively, the collection of hazardous waste from industrial and commercial facilities is organized and carried out by authorized private companies. The municipalities are responsible for deciding on the municipal waste fee (tariffs) within their municipality territory (tariff levels are determined by the municipal council –“Sakrebulo” - within the ceiling set by the national legislation). Tariffs are charged monthly mainly per person and in case of companies, per space occupied or amount of generated waste. Residents only pay if services are available. However, in most cases, the established fees and collection rates are low (physical 0.5-2.5 GEL per capita, depending on the amount of waste generated by legal entities). There are no established tariffs for waste disposal at landfills (“gate fee”). Accordingly, the municipal waste fees do not cover all costs for waste collection, transportation, treatment and/or disposal. Most of waste collection and transportation costs are subsidized by the municipalities, hence there is poor cost recovery system in the waste sector. It is necessary to develop and implement the municipal waste management tariff policy in accordance with the polluter pays principle and its gradual implementation contributing financially to reimburse the local and central governments for cleanup efforts. 2.6.1. Challenges in the field of Cost Recovery Challenges in the field of cost recovery call for: • Development of an adequate tariff policy • Implementation of an effective cost recovery mechanism 2.7. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) The principle of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) was introduced by the Code and implies that producers take over the responsibility for preventing, collecting, separating and treating used products (waste) for their eventual recovery. According to the Waste Management Code, the producer’s extended obligation applies to six specific waste streams. Municipal Waste is considered to be a key financial and operational tool that promotes the development of a resource-saving economy and the establishment of a waste management scheme that is consistent with the waste management hierarchy defined by the Code. This approach has been widely used in developed countries for many years and is quite effective. In May 2020, the Government of Georgia adopted four technical regulations regarding EPR: waste oils, portable batteries/accumulators, waste from electric/electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste tyres. The aforementioned technical regulations establish the obligations and requirements for the manufacturers, EPR organizations and all interested parties involved in the process, as well as the target indicators of waste collection, recovery and recycling of each stream. Technical regulations on the management of packaging waste and end-of-life vehicles have not been adopted. 14 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.7.1. Specific waste streams of Extended Producer Responsibility Waste batteries and accumulators - on average 550 tons of portable batteries are sold on the market per year, an equivalent annual amount can be considered as waste, which is mainly landfilled due to the absence of separate municipal waste collection schemes. 6000 tons of battery waste are produced in Georgia every year. At present, batteries used in Georgia are recycled or exported for processing. Electrical and electronic waste - according to the conducted research date, 7.8 kg of electrical and electronic waste is generated per capita in Georgia, which amounts to 29,000 tons annually. Authorized companies carry out the collection and preliminary treatment of the mentioned waste, although in many cases the environmental requirements are violated. Large electrical appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, etc.) are collected uncontrollably by private individuals for the purpose of separating and selling various materials. Waste oils - the average amount of waste oils is 20,000 tons/year. Due to the lack of modern waste oil processing systems in the country, waste oils are mainly incinerated or exported. Waste tires - according to the official data of the Customs Department of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, 29,000 tons of tires were imported to Georgia in 2021. It is prohibited to dispose of waste tires in landfills. The potential for recycling is low, therefore part of the tire waste will be disposed of uncontrolled, part will be stored at the place of generation. Packaging waste - according to the research conducted, in 2020, the annual amount of plastic materials and products produced and imported in Georgia amounted to 180,900 tons, of which 93% (168,300 tons) will be turned into waste, of which 22% are PET bottles, 44% - polyethylene, polypropylene bags and sacks and 27% - other plastic waste, the annual estimated amount of packaging waste is 200,000 tons. Up to 132,000 tons of plastic waste will be placed in landfills along with municipal mixed waste. Decommissioned vehicles - 59,720 vehicles were written off by the service agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia during the last 5 years. Dismantling/recycling of end-of-life vehicles is carried out by unauthorized persons without proper environmental requirements, which poses a threat to the environment. 2.7.2. Challenges in the field of Extended Producer Responsibility The challenges in the field of Extended Producer Responsibility call for: • Capacity building for the stakeholders • Raising the awareness of the population • Sharing the best available practices • Implementation of effective compliance schemes for MS 2.8. Waste Data A data collection system on generated, collected, transported and treated waste and a subsequent database is not in place in Georgia. Availability of waste related data as well as access to these data for the public is crucial for the proper management of the waste sector and to ensuring transparency. 15 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.8.1. Challenges in the field of waste Challenges in the field of waste data call for: • Creation and enhancement of user friendly interactive waste database • Improvement of regular reporting on collected, transported and treated waste • Strengthening data collection, data processing, reporting and database management capabilities 2.9. Management Capabilities To improve the waste management system, an increased capacity is required in all spheres of the public and private sector. The competences of the main stakeholders in the field of waste management are defined by the Waste Management Code and are as follows: • Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is the government authority responsible for the development and implementation of the state policy in the field of waste, regulates and supervises the management of animal waste • The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, is responsible for the management and control of healthcare waste • The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, defines waste transportation related requirements • The Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, regulates transboundary movement of waste; • The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia - LTD “Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia” is responsible for construction, operation and closure of landfills as well as operation of transfer stations in Georgia except for the landfills in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and self governing City of Tbilisi. • Municipalities are responsible for - a) municipal waste collection and for this purpose the implementation and proper functioning of the municipal waste collection system; b) the gradual implementation and proper functioning of the system of separate collection of municipal waste; • In the Autonomous Republic of Ajara and in the city of Tbilisi, the management of non-hazardous waste including the construction, operation and closure of landfills is the responsibility of the relevant authorities. Implementation of the Code as well as meeting the requirements of the international treaties call for the strengthening of the capacities and a close cooperation between all stakeholders involved in waste management, including the private sector. Moreover, the awareness of the general public is of no less importance. Today, the public awareness on waste management is low. 2.9.1. Challenges in field of waste management capacity Challenges in field of waste management capacity require: • Enhancement of the capacities of relevant ministries • Strengthening the capacity of municipalities • Raising the awareness of the society and individual target groups 16 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.10. Hazardous waste management In the last decade, there has been an increasing rate of hazardous waste generation in Georgia. Management of hazardous waste is associated with high environmental and health risks. Accordingly, it is vital to promote the introduction of modern approaches and technologies for the collection and treatment of hazardous waste as well as the creation of modern management systems. To this end, international cooperation and sharing of experience are fundamental. Currently, hazardous waste management does not abide by any international requirements and standards of sound management of hazardous waste. In accordance to the “polluter pays principle,” as of today the manufacturer is obliged to handle the hazardous waste generated. The producer is responsible for transportation of the produced waste to an appropriate registered facility with environmental permit for waste treatment. Mainly, hazardous waste treatment is done through incineration without energy recovery, with the exception of some industrial wastes (oils, batteries, electronic waste), which are treated through recovery. Regardless of various efforts presented in Georgia, existence of uncontrolled historical hazardous waste dumpsites remains a problem. Problematic areas include arsenic-containing wastes in Ambrolauri Municipality (Uravi) and Lentekhi Municipality (Tsana), as well as pesticide burials in Marneuli Municipality (Iagluja). These facilities pose a threat to the environment and human health. It should be noted that there is no standardized operational hazardous waste landfill, which is essential for the safe disposal of such wastes as slag, ash, and other types of wastes. 2.10.1. Challenges in the field of hazardous waste management The challenges in the field of hazardous waste management call for: • Arrangement of burial sites for historical hazardous waste • Construction of a hazardous waste landfills • Strengthening the capacity for the collection and treatment of hazardous waste 2.11. Plastic waste management Plastic waste pollution is one of the most global environmental challenges today. In order to overcome the mentioned problem, it is necessary to carry out complex measures, including the development and implementation of preventive programs, the establishment of an effective plastic waste management system, promotion of the introduction of modern recycling technologies, raising the awareness of the population and others. Despite the fact that Georgia is implementing certain measures to reduce plastic, it still remains a significant environmental challenge. Due to the lack of a separate collection system, a large part of the plastic waste is placed in landfills or gets released into the environment without oversight (both on land and in surface waters, including the sea), which poses a threat to the environment and human health. Based on the above, it is crucial to create modern systems of plastic prevention and waste treatment. 2.11.1. Challenges in the field of plastic waste management The challenges in the field of plastic waste management call for: • Introduction of separate collection and treatment systems for plastic waste • Implementation of plastic waste prevention measures • Capacity building for stakeholders involved in plastic waste management 17 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.12. Biodegradable waste management There is no organized system of collection and treatment of biodegradable waste in Georgia. Biodegradable waste is disposed of in landfills and constitutes more than half of municipal waste. Biodegradable waste includes kitchen, garden and park waste, paper and other similar wastes, which are a source of gas emissions and wastewater from landfills. Regarding the management of biodegradable waste, the country is committed to prepare and implement measures aimed at reducing the amount of biodegradable waste disposed of in landfills, to develop legislative initiatives and other practical programs that ensure the perfection of the biodegradable waste management system in the country. Biodegradable waste collection and processing is partially carried out in the form of separate initiatives (projects). Composting enterprises are arranged in the city of Tbilisi, the city of Kutaisi and in the municipalities of Marneuli, whose capacities are small. It is necessary to create and introduce modern biodegradable waste management systems in the country. 2.12.1. Challenges in the field of biodegradable waste management The challenges in the field of biodegradable waste management call for: • Creation and implementation of modern biodegradable waste management systems in the country • Introduction of biodegradable waste collection, composting and energy recovery technologies • Strengthening the capacity of biodegradable waste management in the country 2.13. Construction and demolition waste management The construction process is actively underway in Georgia, and accordingly, the amount of construction and demolition waste is increasing every year. Construction and demolition waste recycling practices are not implemented in the country. A part of the waste is used by the municipality for filling measures, a certain part mixed with municipal waste will be placed in municipal waste dumps because there are no landfills for construction and demolition waste. The small scale of the construction and demolition waste processing industry and less business interest lead to uncontrolled disposal of construction and demolition waste in many cases. It should be noted that there are no special regulatory norms for the management of construction and demolition waste and a relevant guidance document that would be in compliance with the waste management code and modern best practices and experience. Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste is important both from the point of view of reducing the negative impact on the environment and obtaining economic benefits. 2.13.1. Challenges in the field of construction and demolition waste Challenges in the field of construction and demolition waste management call for: • Introduction of modern systems of construction and demolition waste collection and processing in the country • Prevention of uncontrolled placement of construction and demolition waste • Strengthening the capacity of the construction and demolition waste processing sector 18 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 3. Strategic directions of waste management 3.1.Hierarchy and Principles The Strategy complies with the Code that sets out the Waste management Hierarchy1: • Prevention • Preparation for re-use • Recycling • Other recovery, including energy recovery • Disposal Furthermore, the Strategy complies with the Principles of Waste Management by Code2: • Precautionary means to avoid the threat or danger to the environment deriving from waste, measures shall be taken even if full scientific certainty is not available. • Polluter pays means that the producer or holder of waste, shall cover the costs of waste management. • Proximity means that the treatment of waste shall be undertaken in the nearest appropriate waste treatment facility, taking into consideration environmental and economic efficiency. • Self-sufficiency means that an integrated and adequate network of facilities for waste disposal and recovery of municipal waste is established and operated. The Strategy will be in harmony with key EU Environmental Management principles: • Sustainable development (Sixth Community Environment Action Programme) - use of the natural resources without destroying or harming them and by a manner that does not restrict the possibilities for their use by the future generations • Waste prevention principle (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste) - reduction of the quantity and/or hazardousness of the generated waste • Best Available Technology (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste) – in establishing recovery or disposal facilities the use of best available technologies shall be taken into account • Extended Producer’s Responsibility (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste) – producers and importers of specific products are responsible for the waste that remains after those products have been used, as well as the subsequent management of the waste and financial responsibility for such activities • Integrated waste management (Sixth Community Environment Action Programme) - The integrated management combines all other principles of the waste management policy and guarantees interaction and optimal combination of the different methods and approaches with a purpose of achieving economically and environmentally effective waste management3. The Strategy also is in line with two international key principles: • The UNECE principle on Access to information and Public Participation (Aarhus Convention) and • The UNEP Green Economy Initiative - Towards a Green Economy - Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication - promoting the development of green economy, which ensures sustainable development and avoids degradation of the environment. 1 Waste Management Code, Article 4 (1) 2 Waste Management Code, Article 5 (2) 3 Integrated Waste Management principle implies the application of cost-effectiveness approache in waste management 19 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 3.2. Vision, Objectives and Targets The vision of waste management in Georgia is as follows - Georgia aspires to become a country focused on waste prevention and recycling, which is achieved by: • Taking action on prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery of waste • Collection of all municipal waste in Georgia • Developing waste at source separation • Introducing Full Cost Recovery • Introducing Extended Producers Responsibility • Taking initiatives on specific waste streams of national concern • Establishing Private-Public Partnership • Introducing incentives to meet the objectives of the Strategy In accordance with the existing challenges, the following goals and objectives of the strategy were defined: Objective 1. Development, implementation and enforcement of waste management legislation in line with EU requirements and international conventions Target 1.1. Improvement of legal framework Objective 2. Establishment of a waste management planning system at national and local levels Target 2.1. Improvement of planning of municipal waste management Target 2.2. Promotion of public private partnership Objective 3. Establishment and introduction of an effective waste collection and transportation system Target 3.1. Improvement of the municipal waste collection system Target 3.2. Establishment of a system for the collection and transportation of construction and demolition waste Target 3.3. Improvement of system for collection and transportation of hazardous waste Target 3.4. Improvement of medical waste collection and disposal system Minimum national indicators for waste collection By year 2026 By year 2030 Municipal waste 95 % 100% Hazardous Waste 85 % 95% Objective 4. Ensuring the safe disposal of waste for human health and the environment Target 4.1. Organize new regional non-hazardous landfills and waste transferring stations in accordance with EU standards, and improve / operate existing landfills and gradually close them Target 4.2. Closure of existing landfills Target 4.3. Closure/remediation and prevention of dumpsites 20 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Objective 5. Waste prevention, reuse, recycling and/or recovery Target 5.1. Development of prevention programs Target 5.2. Promotion and introduction of modern waste recycling and energy recovery technologies Target 5.3. Strengthen the capacity of waste monitoring Minimum target indicators for waste recycling By year 2026 By year 2030 Paper 50 % 80% Glass 50% 80% Metal 80% 90% Plastic 50% 80% Objective 6. Full cost recovery of waste management costs in accordance with the “Polluter pays” principle Target 6.1. Improvement of the waste management full cost recovery system in each municipality Objective 7. Promotion and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Target 7.1. Achieve minimal indicators for various specific waste management: Collection of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2026 2030 Portable battery, portable accumulator (out of the quantity placed on the market) 20% 40% Motor accumulator (generated from waste) 95% 98% Industrial battery or industrial accumulator (generated from waste) 95% 98% Recycling of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2026 2030 Waste of lead-acid batteries and accumulators 65% 65% Waste of nickel and cadmium batteries and accumulators 75% 75% Waste of other batteries and accumulators 50% 50% Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) • Source-separated collection Category/Year 2026 2030 Heat exchange equipment 45% 57% Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 8% 15% Light bulbs 35% 60% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) 55% 82% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 8% 18% Small information and telecommunication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 8% 18% • Recovery and recycling Category/Year 2026 2030 Heat exchange equipment Recovery 66% 83% Reuse and recycling 65% 76% 21 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 Recovery 30% 65% Reuse and recycling 25% 60% Light bulbs Recovery 80% 80% Reuse and recycling 80% 80% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) Recovery 72% 82% Reuse and recycling 70% 78% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 30% 55% Reuse and recycling 25% 45% Small information and telecommu nication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 30% 55% Reuse and recycling 25% 45% Waste oil 2026 2030 Recovery 25% 45% Energy recovery 12% 23% Recycling Recovery 13% 22% Tires 2026 2030 Recovery 35% 55% Energy recovery 18% 27% Recycling Protector Recovery 17% 28% Packaging Materials • Subject to deposit 2026 2030 Recycling rates 80% 91% Plastic (bottle) 80% 91% Metal (can) 80% 91% • Non-depository 2026 2030 Recycling rates 41% 57% Paper 51% 69% Plastic 10% 10% Glass 48% 66% Metal 31% 46% Wood 13 % 21% End of life vehicles (ELV) 2026 2030 Recovery 80% 88% Recycling 78% 84% 22 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Objective 8. Establishment and implementation of a waste data and information management system Target 8.1. Establishment of integrated waste databases (data collection, reporting and database) Objective 9. Strengthening capacity and raising awareness about waste management Target 9.1. Improvement of the capacity of public agencies involved in waste management Target 9.2. Improvement of public awareness on waste management issues Objective 10. Improvement of hazardous waste management Target 10.1. Promotion of creation and strengthening of hazardous waste recovery facilities Target 10.2. Safe disposal of hazardous waste Target 10.3. Rehabilitation of areas contaminated with hazardous waste Target 10.4. Hazardous waste management capacity building and awareness raising campaigns Objective 11. Plastic Waste Management Target 11.1. Improve the plastic waste management system Objective 12. Creation and implementation of biodegradable waste collection and treatment systems Target 12.1. Introduction of biodegradable waste composting practice Target 12.2. Promotion of the conversion of biodegradable waste into energy Objective 13. Improvement of construction and demolition waste management Target 13.1. Improvement of the legal framework and strengthening monitoring capabilities for construction and demolition waste management Target 13.2. Introduction of modern techniques concerning the collection and recycling of construction and demolition waste 23 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 4. Effects of the Strategy The Strategy will only have positive environmental effects. Furthermore, the Strategy will have a special positive effect for the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Introduction of innovative approaches in the waste management sector of Georgia will promote approaching waste as a resource. Minimizing the disposal of biodegradable waste will help significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions - a substance of special political consideration these days. Waste separation will contribute to the development of recycling and circular economy in the country. Implementation of smart technologies for the treatment of hazardous and specific wastes will reduce harmful effects on the environment and human health. Financial feasibility should be carefully considered for each activity. Achieving objectives and targets set by the strategy is quite costly; however, benefits of a proper waste management system and thus avoiding risks to human health and damage to the environment, as well as from utilizing waste as a resource, in the long run will far outweigh the strain caused by the cost. The Strategy is in line with the approaches of the European Union, however, timing is of special importance due to the local socio-economic situation. For example, to achieve the development/implementation of a system of the full cost recovery related to waste management, the socio-economic situation of the country should also be taken into account. The costs of the implementation of the Strategy are estimated as part of the Action Plan. Implementation of the Strategy will contribute to: introduction of the separate collection of waste and its use as a resource; implementation of waste reuse, recycling and recovery technologies; improving the environmental performance of operators involved in waste management; reducing the amount of waste placed on landfills; creation of new enterprises and green jobs and development of circular economy. 24 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Annex N2 National Waste Management Action Plan 2022 – 2026 Objective 1 Development, implementation, and enforcement of waste management legislation in line with EU requirements and international conventions Targets Indicator Target 1.1 Improvement of legal framework Legal acts developed and submitted Target 1.1. Improvement of legal framework Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 1.1.1. Development and submission of legislation on waste import, export, and transit 2024 I quarter Draft legislation developed and submitted Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Finance Administrative costs 1.1.2. Development and submission of draft legislation on mining waste management 2025 IV quarter Draft legislation developed and submitted Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 1.1.3 Development and submission of legal act on animal waste management 2026 IV quarter Legal act developed and submitted Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 1.1.4 Development and submission a draft of amendments and additions to the Waste Management Code 2023 IV quarter Draft amendments and additions developed and submitted Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Administrative costs 1.1.5 Development and submission of technical regulations on the management of packaging waste and end of life vehicles (ELV) 2023 IV quarter 2 technical regulations developed and submitted Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Internal Affairs Administrative costs 1.1.6 Identification of GAPs and review of existing legislation, comparative analysis with international agreements, elaboration of package of amendments (at least one) 2026 I quarter Elaborated and submitted package of amendments (at least one) Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 250 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 2 Establishment of a Waste Management Planning System at National and Local Levels Targets Indicator Target 2.1 Improvement of planning of municipal waste management Number of updated and approved waste management plans Target 2.2 Strengthening of public and private partner-ship Created effective cooperation methods between the private and public sectors Target 2.1. Improvement of planning of municipal waste management Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 2.1.1. Updating of municipal waste management plans. 2024 IV quarter Updated and approved 64 municipal waste management plans Municipalities Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agricul ture Will be spec ified by the municipality Municipality Budget 25 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 2.1.2 Development of waste management plans for protected areas 2024 IV quarter Developed Waste Management Plans for Protected Areas (at least 13) Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Agency of Protected Areas 200 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 2.2. Strengthening of public and private partnership 2.2.1. Establish a pilot municipal waste collection center in large cities 2026 IV quarter Pilot center established in at least one city Municipalities Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agriculture 1 500 000 Euro Donor assistance, Private sector 2.2.2 Establish municipal recyclable waste segregation facility/ies through private-public sectors cooperation 2026 IV quarter At least one recyclable waste segregation facility established Waste Manage ment Companies Municipalities Private Sector Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 3 000 000 Euro (The budget will be specified after the technical study) Donor assistance, Private Sector Objective 3 Establishment and Introduction of an Efficient Waste Collection and Transportation System Targets Indicator Target 3.1 Improvement of municipal waste collection system Municipal waste – 95% Municipal Hazardous waste - 50% Target 3.2 Establish system for the collection and transportation of construction and demolition waste Established construction and demolition waste collection and transportation system Target 3.3 Improvement of hazardous waste collection and transportation system Improved of hazardous waste collection and transportation system Target 3.4 Improvement of system of medical waste collection and disposal Improved system of medical waste collection and disposal Target 3.1. Improvement of municipal waste collection system Action Imple mentation Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 3.1.1 Assessment/research of the existing situation in the municipalities in order to improve the collection of municipal waste and identify the needs 2024 IV quarter Prepared assessment report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 250 000 Euro Donor assistance 3.1.2 Gradual introduction of sep arate collection of municipal waste 2026 IV quarter 50% of generated municipal waste is separated Municipalities Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Will be determined in accord ance with the results of a relevant study Donor assistance, Municipalities 3.1.3 Provision of standardized containers and means of transportation to improve the collection and transportation of municipal waste (except the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Tbilisi) 2026 IV quarter Purchased 11,264 containers of differ ent volumes and 72 vehicles of different types for munici palities of Kakheti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti regions Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Municipalities 7 100 000 Euro International financial institutions (EBRD, KfW) 26 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 3.1.4 Provision of standardized containers and means of transportation to improve the collection and transportation of municipal waste in Adjara 2025 IV quarter 5 municipalities equipped with tech nical means Purchased contain ers of different vol umes and different types of vehicles (specifications and quantities will be clarified after the completion of the ongoing research) Waste Management Company of Adjara Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 10 000 000 Euro International financial institutions (EBRD) 3.1.5 Development of an effective waste collection system for the municipality(ies) of the highland region and preparation of pilot projects 2026 IV quarter Prepared assessment report Implemented at least one pilot project Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 1 000 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 3.2. Establishment system for the collection and transportation of construction and demolition waste 3.2.1 Preparation of a guideline document for the collection and treatment of construction and demolition waste 2023 IV quarter Prepared guideline document for the collection and treatment Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 100 000 Euro Donor assistance 3.2.2 Conduction trainings for representatives of construction and demolition waste collection and transportation sector 2024 IV quarter At least 4 training conducted for Municipalities and Private Sector Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 150 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 3.3. Improvement of hazardous waste collection and transportation system 3.3.1 Conduction trainings for representatives of the hazardous waste collection and transportation sector document 2026 IV quarter At least 4 trainings conducted Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Economy and Sustainable De velopment’s Land Transport Agency 150 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 3.4. Improvement of medical waste collection and disposal system 3.4.1 Conduction trainings for representatives of the medical waste collection, transportation, treatment and disposal sector and prepara tion of guidance document 2025 IV quarter At least 6 trainings conducted and at least 1 guidance document prepared Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Private Sector The Ministry of Internally Dis¬pla-ced Persons from the Occu-pied Territories, Health, Labor, and Social Affairs 250 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 4 Ensuring the Safe Disposal of Waste for Human Health and the Environment Targets Indicator Target 4.1 Organize new regional non-hazardous landfills and waste transferring stations in accordance with EU standards, and improve / operate existing landfills and their gradual closure Number of organized regional non-hazardous waste disposal facili ties (landfills) and waste transfer stations Number of closed operating landfills Target 4.2 Closure of existing landfills Number of closed existing landfills Target 4.3 Closure / remediation and prevention of dumpsites Number of closed dumpsites 27 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Target 4.1. Organize new regional non-hazardous landfills and waste transferring stations in accordance with EU standards, and improve / operate existing landfills and gradual closure Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Insti tution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 4.1.1. Construction of a new regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility in Kvemo Kartli region for five municipalities (Tsalka, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro, Marneuli, Bolnisi) 2024 II quarter 1 New regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility in Kvemo Kartli Region Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 9 400 000 Euro International financial institutions (EBRD, KfW), State budget 4.1.2. Construction of new regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and transfer stations in Kakheti region and closure of four existing landfills (Telavi, Sagarejo, Dedoplistskaro and Lagodekhi) 2025 IV quarter 1 New regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and 3 transfer station in Kakheti Region 4 existing landfills closed Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 28 300 000 Euro International financial institutions (EBRD, KfW), State budget 4.1.3 Construction of new regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and transfer stations in Samegrelo Zemo-Svaneti region and closure of 2 existing landfills (Zugdidi and Poti) 2024 IV quarter 1 New regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and 3 transfer station in Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti Region 2 existing landfills closed Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 4.1.4 Construction of new regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and transfer stations in Imereti, Racha-lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Region and closure of existing landfills in Kutaisi (Nikea) 2025 IV quarter 1 New regional non-hazardous waste disposal facility and 6 transfer sta tion in Imereti, Racha-lechkhu mi and Kvemo Svaneti Region 1 existing landfill closed in Kutaisi Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 27 600 000 Euro International financial insti tutions (EBRD, KfW), 4.1.5 Technical-economic and environmental assessment study for construction of new non-hazardous waste disposal facility and transfer stations in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskhe ta-Mtianeti and Shida Kartli regions 2023 II quarter Technical-eco nomic and environmental assessment docu ment developed Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 800 000 Euro International financial insti tutions (EBRD, KfW) 4.1.6 Construction of 2 new regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities and 5 transfer sta tions and closure of 9 existing landfills Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Shida Kartli regions 2026 IV quarter Developed projects for the construction of 2 non-hazardous waste disposal facilities, 5 waste transfer stations and the closure of 9 landfills Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture Feasibility study is un derway, based on which the budget will be determined and the rele vant financial resources will be mobilized from donors. International financial insti tutions (EBRD, KfW), 28 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 4.1.7 Construction of a new non-hazardous waste landfill for the Autonomous Republic of Adjara 2022 IV quarter New non-hazard ous waste landfill for the Autono mous Republic of Adjara Government of A/R of Adjara Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 4 500 000 GEL 7 000 000 Euro Government of A/R of Adjara, International financial insti tutions (EBRD) 4.1.8 Arrangement of biogas col lection/ recycling system and temporary storage of hazard ous waste at Tbilisi landfill 2023 IV quarter Biogas collection/ recycling system arranged at Tbilisi landfill 1 Temporary storage facility for hazardous waste Tbilisi Munici pality Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 8 600 000 GEL Tbilisi Municipality Target 4.2. Closure of existing landfills 4.2.1 Gradual closure of landfills operating in Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi regions (Samtredia, Tkibuli, Terjola, Sachkhere, Oni, Ambrolauri, Tsageri) 2026 IV quarter 7 closed landfills in Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi regions Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 4 000 000 GEL State budget 4.2.2 Gradual closure of landfills operating in Kvemo Kartli region (Marneuli, Bolnisi) and arrangement of a transfer station in Bolnisi 2024 IV quarter 2 closed landfills in Kvemo Kartli region Transfer station arranged in Bolnisi Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 2 500 000 GEL State budget 4.2.3 Closure of the existing landfill in Tsnori 2022 IV quarter Closed existing landfill in Tsnori Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 350 000 GEL State budget 4.2.4 Closure of the existing landfill in Rustavi 2023 IV quarter Closed landfill in Rustavi Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 5 000 000 GEL State budget 4.2.5 Gradual closure of exist ing landfills in Guria region (Chokhatauri and Ozurgeti) and arrangement of waste transfer station in Chokhatauri 2024 II quarter 2 existing landfills closed in Guria region 1 waste unload ing station in Chokhatauri Ministry of Regional De velopment and Infrastructure /Solid Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 2 500 000 Gel State budget 4.2.6 Closure of existing landfills in cities of Batumi and Kobuleti 2023 IV quarter Closed 2 landfills in cities of Batumi and Kobuleti Government of A/R of Adjara Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture 1 000 000 Euro International financial insti tutions Target 4.3. Closure / remediation and prevention of dumpsites 4.3.1 Inventory of dumpsites and their closure/ remediation 2026 IV quarter Inventory con ducted report and closed dumpsites Municipalities Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture It will be determined based on the relevant research Local budget, Donor assistance 29 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Objective 5 Waste Prevention, Reuse, Recycling and/or Recovery Targets Indicator Target 5.1 Development of prevention programs At least one waste prevention program has been developed Target 5.2 Promotion and introduction of modern waste recycling and energy recovery technologies Increased waste recycling rate Energy recovery rates increased compared to 2022 Improved energy recovery infrastructure Target 5.1. Development of prevention programs Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Insti tution(s) Partner Institu tion(s) Budget Source of Fi nance 5.1.1. Assessment of waste preven tion, reuse, development of appropriate program 2026 IV quarter At least one as sessment program developed Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 250 000 Euro Donor assistance 5.1.2 Assess the implementation of the requirements of the waste management legisla tion in state procurement and tenders and develop relevant recommendations 2024 IV quarter Developed re search report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Finance 100 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 5.2. Promotion and introduction of modern waste recycling and energy recovery technologies 5.2.1 Needs assessment for the introduction of technologies on energy recovery from waste 2026 IV quarter Prepared needs assessment report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development 200 000 Euro Donor assistance 5.2.2 Promotion the introduction of circular economy approaches in waste management, needs assessment, development a relevant program and imple mentation of pilot projects 2026 IV quarter Prepared needs assessment report and at least one pilot project im plemented Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Private Sector 250 000 Euro (for research) The pilot budget will be determined after appropri ate research Donor assistance Objective 6 Full cost recovery of Waste Management Costs in Accordance With the “Polluter paysss” Principle Targets Indicator Target 6.1 Improvement of the waste management full cost recovery system in each municipality Increased rate of waste management cost recovery Target 6.1. Improvement of the waste management full cost recovery system in each municipality Action Imple mentation Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Insti tution(s) Budget Source of Finance 6.1.1 Evaluation of the tariff fee system in municipalities, development and implementation of recommendations 2025 IV quarter Developed research report on tariff fee systems and established fee collection system Ministry of Finance Municipalities Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastruc ture Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 30 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 6.1.2 Determination the waste dis posal fee (gate fee) by landfill operators and its gradual implementation 2026 IV quarter The waste dispos al fee (gate fee) by landfill operators determined Solid Waste Management Company LTD “Tbilser-vice Groupp” Waste Manage ment Company of Adjara A/R Ministry of Finance Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Municipalities Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 100 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 7 Promoting and Introducing Extended Producer Responsibility Targets Indicator Target 7.1 Achieve minimal indicators for various specific waste management: Percentage achieved according to each stream Collection of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Portable battery, portable accumulator (out of the quantity placed on the market) 5% 10% 15% 20% Motor accumulator (generated from waste) 80% 90% 95% 95% Industrial battery or industrial accumulator (generated from waste) 80% 90% 95% 95% Recycling of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Waste of lead-acid batteries and accumulators 50% 65% 65% 65% Waste of nickel and cadmium batteries and accumulators 60% 75% 75% 75% Waste of other batteries and accumnulators 50% 50% 50% 50% WEEE: • Source-separated collection Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Heat exchange equipment 20% 25% 30% 45% Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 5% 6% 7% 8% Light bulbs 20% 25% 30% 35% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) 25% 30% 40% 55% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 5% 6% 7% 8% Small information and telecommunication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 5% 6% 7% 8% 31 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: • Recovery and recycling Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Heat exchange equipment Recovery 51% 56% 61% 66% Reuse and recycling 50% 55% 60% 65% Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 Recovery 12% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Light bulbs Recovery 80% 80% 80% 80% Reuse and recycling 80% 80% 80% 80% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) Recovery 58% 62% 67% 72% Reuse and recycling 55% 60% 65% 70% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 15% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Small information and telecommunication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 15% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Waste oils 2023 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 15% 18% 23% 25% Energy recovery 7% 9% 10% 12% Recycling Recovery 8% 9% 10% 13% Tires 2023 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 20% 25% 30% 35% Energy recovery 10% 12% 15% 18% Recycling Protector Recovery 10% 13% 15% 17% Packaging Materials • Subject to deposit Category/Year 2024 2025 2026 Recycling rates 73% 77% 80% Plastic (bottle) 73% 77% 80% Metal (can) 73% 77% 80% • Non-depository Category/Year 2024 2025 2026 Recycling rates 21% 31% 41% Paper 37% 43% 51% Plastic 6% 8% 9% Glass 23% 35% 48% Metal 14% 23% 31% Wood 8% 10% 13% ELV 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 74% 76% 80% Recycling 74% 76% 78% 32 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Target 7.1. Achieve minimal indicators for various specific waste management: Achieve minimal indicators for various specific waste management: Collection of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Portable battery, portable accumulator (out of the quantity placed on the market) 5% 10% 15% 20% Motor accumulator (generated from waste) 80% 90% 95% 95% Industrial battery or industrial accumulator (generated from waste) 80% 90% 95% 95% Recycling of batteries and accumulators Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Waste of lead-acid batteries and accumulators 50% 65% 65% 65% Waste of nickel and cadmium batteries and accumulators 60% 75% 75% 75% Waste of other batteries and accumnulators 50% 50% 50% 50% WEEE: • Source-separated collection Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Heat exchange equipment 20% 25% 30% 45% Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 5% 6% 7% 8% Light bulbs 20% 25% 30% 35% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) 25% 30% 40% 55% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 5% 6% 7% 8% Small information and telecommunication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) 5% 6% 7% 8% • Recovery and recycling Category/Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 Heat exchange equipment Recovery 51% 56% 61% 66% Reuse and recycling 50% 55% 60% 65% Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens with an area larger than 100 cm2 Recovery 12% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Light bulbs Recovery 80% 80% 80% 80% Reuse and recycling 80% 80% 80% 80% Large equipment (outer size more than 50 cm) Recovery 58% 62% 67% 72% Reuse and recycling 55% 60% 65% 70% Small equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 15% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Small information and telecommu nication equipment (outer size less than 50 cm) Recovery 15% 20% 25% 30% Reuse and recycling 10% 15% 20% 25% Waste oils 2023 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 15% 18% 23% 25% Energy recovery 7% 9% 10% 12% Recycling Recovery 8% 9% 10% 13% Tires 2023 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 20% 25% 30% 35% Energy recovery 10% 12% 15% 18% Recycling Protector Recovery 10% 13% 15% 17% 33 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution (s) Budget Source of Finance 7.1.1 Authorization and capacity building of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organi zations 2023 IV quarter Authorised 3 Extended Producer Responsibility Con ducted training for at least 4 streams Conducted at least 1 study tour Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 300 000 Euro Donor assistance 7.1.2 Development of EPR guidance documentation for each waste stream 2023 IV quarter Developed at least 4 of EPR guidance documentation Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 7.1.3 Capacity building of municipalities in EPR issues 2026 IV quarter At least 4 trainings conducted within the framework of capacity building Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 250 000 Euro Donor assistance 7.1.4 Strengthening of the capacity of EPR processing companies 2026 IV quarter At least 4 trainings conducted within the framework of capacity building Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 7.1.5 Implementation of public awareness raising activities on EPR issues 2026 IV quarter Implemented awareness raising events for at least 200 partic ipants (including self-government representatives) Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 300 000 Euro Donor assistance 7.1.6 Development of a guideline document for the monitoring of EPR organizations 2026 IV quarter Developed of a guideline document for the monitoring Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 100 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 8 Establishment and Implementation of a Waste Data and Information Management System Targets Indicator Target 8.1 Establishment of integrated waste databases (data collection, reporting and database) Introduced electronic system Target 8.1. Establishment integrated waste databases (data collection, reporting and database) Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 8.1.1 Development of an integrated electronic waste management database 2025 IV quarter Developed inte grated electronic waste management database Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 250 000 Euro Donor assistance 8.1.2 Development of guideline for waste data collection and reporting 2024 IV quarter Developed of guideline for waste data collection and reporting Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 100 000 Euro Donor assistance Packaging Materials • Subject to deposit Category/Year 2024 2025 2026 Recycling rates 73% 77% 80% Plastic (bottle) 73% 77% 80% Metal (can) 73% 77% 80% • Non-depository Category/Year 2024 2025 2026 Recycling rates 21% 31% 41% Paper 37% 43% 51% Plastic 6% 8% 9% Glass 23% 35% 48% Metal 14% 23% 31% Wood 8% 10% 13% ELV 2024 2025 2026 Recovery 74% 76% 80% Recycling 74% 76% 78% 34 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Objective 9 Strengthening Capacity and Raising Awareness about Waste Management Targets Indicator Target 9.1 Improvement of the capacity of public agencies involved in waste management Increased number of qualified personnel to at least 200 Target 9.2 Improvement of public awareness on waste management issues Raise awareness of at least 500 participants Target 9.3 Strengthening of waste monitoring capabilities Improved hazardous waste monitoring system Target 9.1. Improvement of the capacity of public agencies involved in waste management Action Imple mentation Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 9.1.1 Needs analysis of the institutional strengthening needs of the parties involved in the waste management sector 2024 IV quarter Developed needs assessment report of stakeholders in the waste manage ment sector Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 9.1.2 Strengthen the capacity of public agencies involved in waste management 2026 IV quarter At least 6 trainings conducted within the framework of capacity building Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 300 000 Euro Donor assistance 9.1.3 Strengthen the capacity of municipalities in the field of waste management 2026 IV quarter At least 6 trainings conducted within the framework of capacity building Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 200 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 9.2. Improvement of public awareness on waste management issues 9.2.1 Raising awareness of the community and individual target groups in the field of waste management 2026 IV quarter At least 10 events have been held within the campaign Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 300 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 9.3. Strengthening of waste monitoring capabilities 9.3.1 Establishment of waste analysis and research labo ratory 2026 IV quarter 1 waste research laboratory has been set up Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 1 000 000 Euro Donor assis-tance 9.3.2 ნარჩენების კონტროლისა და ზედამხედველობაზე პასუხისმგებელი პირების ტრენინგი 2024 IV quarter Trained at least 50 persons Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 200 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 10 Improvement of Hazardous Waste Management Targets Indicator Target 10.1 Creation and strengthening of hazardous waste recovery facilities Improved hazardous waste recovery facilities Target 10.2 Safe disposal of hazardous waste Number of facilities/facilities for the storage of hazardous waste Target 10.3 Rehabilitation of areas contaminated with hazardous waste Developed rehabilitation projects Target 10.4 Hazardous waste management capacity building and awareness raising campaigns Increased number of qualified personnel At least 4 trainings conducted within the framework of capacity building Implemented at least 5 awareness raising campaigns 35 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Target 10.1. Creation and strengthening of hazardous waste recovery facilities Action Imple mentation Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 10.1.1 Capacity building of representatives of hazardous waste incineration sector 2024 IV quarter At least 2 trainings conducted Energy recovery technology guid ance document developed Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Private Sector 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 10.1.2 Piloting the implementationof energy recovery technology at incineration sites 2026 IV quarter At least one facility has implemented the energy recov ery technology Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Private Sector 1 000 000 Euro Donor assis-tance Target 10.2. Safe disposal of hazardous waste 10.2.1 Establishment of a facility/ facilities in accordance with the international standards for hazardous waste disposal 2026 IV quarter At least one fa cility established in accordance with international standards for the disposal of hazard ous waste Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 30 000 000 Euro International financial insti tutions (EBRD) 10.2.2 Establishment of disposal facilities for existing/histori cal arsenic waste in Lentekhi Municipality (Tsana) 2026 IV quarter At least one disposal facility established for the arsenic waste Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Lentekhi Municipality 7 500 000 GEL State Budget 10.2.3 Rehabilitation of disposal facilities for existing/historical arsenic waste in Ambrolauri Municipality (Uravi) 2026 IV quarter At least three disposal facility rehabilitated for the arsenic waste Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ambrolauri Municipality 1 800 000 GEL State Budget 10.2.4 Rehabilitation of existing pesticide dumpsite in Marneuli Municipality (Iagluja) 2026 IV quarter Rehabilitation of existing pesticide dumpsite Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Marneuli Mu nicipality 9 000 000 GEL State Budget Target 10.3. Rehabilitation of areas contaminated with hazardous waste 10.3.1 Inventory of the areas contaminated with hazardous waste and preparation of re-cultivation projects 2026 IV quarter Areas contaminat ed with hazardous waste identified At least one re-cul tivation project prepared Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities Private Sector 350 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 10.4. Hazardous waste management capacity building and awareness raising campaigns 10.4.1 Conducting trainings for public and private sector representatives regarding transboundary shipments of hazardous waste 2026 IV quarter At least 5 capacity building trainings Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Finance Private Sector 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 10.4.2 Assessment of asbestos waste management and preparation of relevant recommendations 2025 IV quarter Asbestos man agement report and relevant recommendations prepared Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 36 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: Objective 11 Plastic Waste Management Targets Indicator Target 11.1 Improve the plastic waste management system Reduced amount of plastic waste Target 11.1. Improve the plastic waste management system Action Imple mentation Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 11.1.1 Evaluation of plastic wastes streams and development of relevant recommendations 2025 IV quarter Developed of appropriate report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 11.1.2 Implementation of capacity building and awareness-rais ing activities for stakeholders involved in plastic waste management 2026 IV quarter At least 5 capacity building trainings and awareness raising activities for at least 300 participants Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities EPR organiza tions Private Sector 250 000 Euro Donor assistance 11.1.3 Evaluation of the market for the use of single-use plastics, analyze alternatives and devel op relevant recommendations 2024 IV quarter Developed research report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities Private Sector 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 11.1.4 Development of a normative act on the prevention of single-use plastics 2025 IV quarter Developed normative act Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 100 000 Euro Donor assistance 11.1.5 Assessment of river basins and marine litter and preparation of relevant recommendations 2026 IV quarter Developed of appropriate report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Maritime Transport Agency Municipalities 150 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 12 Creation and Implementation of Biodegradable Waste Collection and Treatment Systems Targets Indicator Target 12.1 Introduction of biodegradable waste composting practice Reduced amount of landfilled biodegradable waste Target 12.2 Promotion of biodegradable waste conversion into energy The amount of biodegradable waste processed for energy conversion Target 12.1. Introduction of biodegradable waste composting practice Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 12.1.1 Evaluation of the current situ ation of biodegradable waste generation, collection and composting at the national level and identification of needs 2024 IV quarter Developed evaluation report Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 350 000 Euro Donor assistance 12.1.2 Implementation of demonstra tion projects for collection and composting of biodegradable waste 2025 IV quarter At least one pilot project implement ed to facilitate the introduction of composting practices Municipalities Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 2 500 000 Euro Donor assistance 12.1.3 Facilitate the introduction and piloting of composting prac tices on farms and domestic farms 2026 IV quarter At least one pilot project implement ed to facilitate the introduction of composting practices Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 400 000 Euro Donor assistance 37 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 12.1.4 Strengthening capacity of biodegradable waste for pri vate and public sector 2024 IV quarter Conducted at least 3 training sessions A guidance doc ument has been developed At least 1 study tour Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities Private Sector 300 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 12.2. Promotion of biodegradable waste conversion into energy 12.2.1 Assessment of the needs for conversion of biodegradable waste into energy 2025 IV quarter Needs assessment report developed on conversion of biodegradable waste into energy Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 200 000 Euro Donor assistance 12.2.2 Conduction of a pre-feasibility study for biodegradable waste mechanical-biological treat ment (MBT) 2023 IV quarter Developed research report for at least one region Ministry of Regional Devel opment and In frastructure/Solid Waste Manage ment Company Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 200 000 Euro Donor assistance 12.2.3 Construction of MBT-waste me chanical-biological treatment facility 2025 IV quarter Arranged MBT waste mechan ical-biological treatment facility Adjara Waste Management Company Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 20 000 000 Euro International financial institutions (EBRD) 12.2.4 Conduction of awareness-rais ing campaign on biodegrad able waste conversion into energy 2024 IV quarter At least three awareness-rais ing campaigns conducted on biodegradable waste conversion into energy Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 200 000 Euro Donor assistance Objective 13 Improvement of Construction and demolition waste management Targets Indicator Target 13.1 Improvement of the legal framework and strength ening monitoring capabilities for construction and demolition waste management Improved construction and demolition waste management legal framework and law enforcement system Target 13.2 Introduction of modern techniques concerning the collection and recycling of construction and demoli tion waste Reduction of environmental pollution with construction and dem olition waste Target 13.1. Improvement of the legal framework and strengthening monitoring capabilities for construction and demoli tion waste management Action Implementa-tion Deadline Action Results Indicator Responsible Institution(s) Partner Institution(s) Budget Source of Finance 13.1.1 Evaluation of the current situation of construction and demolition waste and develop relevant normative act/acts 2023 IV quarter Developed evalua tion report and at least 1 normative act Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture 200 000 Euro Donor assistance 13.1.2 Conduct trainings to improve construction and demolition waste control and monitoring 2026 I quarter At least one train ing for supervisors in all regions Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Municipalities 150 000 Euro Donor assistance Target 13.2 Introduction of modern techniques concerning the collection and recycling of construction and demolition waste 13.2.1 Strengthening the capacity of the construction and demoli tion waste processing sector, developing and implementing relevant programs (including within the framework of “Pro duce in Georgia”) 2024 IV quarter Developed and implemented at least 1 program Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Developmentს “Produce in Georgia” Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture Private Sector The amount will be deter mined after the assess ment Donor assis tance, “Produce in Georgia” program 38 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: 13.2.2 Development of financial-eco nomic incentive mechanisms for construction and demo lition waste recycling (taking into account the principle of green economy) 2024 IV quarter Prepared relevant assessment doc ument Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Ministry of Finance Private Sector The scientific sector 150 000 Euro Donor assistance 13.2.3 Development of new stand ards to facilitate the second ary use of construction and demolition waste in concrete production in accordance with European standards 2025 IV quarter Developed standards Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Ministry of Environmen tal Protection and Agricul ture Private Sector 150 000 Euro Donor assis-tance 40 BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: BETTER POLICIES FOR BETTER LIVES Action implemented by: