Moldova implements new national waste management and recycling regulations

The Government of Moldova has approved a Framework Regulation for public sanitation services, establishing unified rules for waste collection, transport, and management across the country. A central component of this regulation is the gradual expansion of separate waste collection, which is set to be fully implemented by July 1, 2028.

Under the new system, waste will be categorized into five main fractions: paper and cardboard, glass, plastic and metal, bio-waste, and non-recyclable waste. To ensure national standardization, containers will follow a specific color-coding system: blue for paper and cardboard, yellow for plastic and metal, white or green for glass, brown for bio-waste, and grey or black for non-recyclables. Red containers will be designated for hazardous waste.

Local municipalities will have the flexibility to adapt service organization, such as container numbers and collection frequency, based on local population size and infrastructure. Additionally, revenues generated from the recovery of recyclable materials may be used to reduce sanitation fees for the population. The regulation also includes provisions for managing bulky waste, such as old furniture and mattresses, through specialized collection programs.