waste management system

Serbia’s Recycling Challenges Reflect Broader Regional Issues in Circular Economy

Serbia's waste management system has emerged as a significant indicator of the structural imbalances prevalent in South-East Europe. While investments in energy, infrastructure, and industry are on the rise, the region's environmental frameworks—particularly in recycling and circular economy practices—are lagging and increasingly misaligned with European Union standards. Current statistics reveal that only about 17% of waste collected in Serbia is recycled, primarily consisting of packaging waste. This recycling rate aligns with official figures indicating a range of 15% to 17%,…