Moldova's extended producer responsibility boosts waste recycling

The extended producer responsibility (REP) scheme in the Republic of Moldova is enhancing waste‑collection and recycling infrastructure and raising public awareness about the environmental impacts of waste. Under the system, producers and importers can fulfil obligations individually—building their own collection and recycling facilities—or join collective schemes that share costs for logistics, transport and administration.

Environmental specialist Denis Macovschi noted that while REP has delivered better results than earlier practices, implementation is hampered by financial constraints, a shortage of qualified staff and consumer misunderstandings that view the scheme as a commercial burden rather than an environmental duty. The mechanism, modeled on EU systems first adopted in Sweden in the 1990s, currently covers six product categories, with authorities considering extension to construction and demolition waste. Rapid legislative changes also require continual adaptation by businesses.

Macovschi emphasized that collective systems enable multiple importers of electrical and electronic equipment to pool resources, leading to more collection points and awareness campaigns, but stressed the need for ongoing specialist training and clearer consumer communication.