Montenegro approves waste management law amendments

The Montenegrin Committee for Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology, and Spatial Planning has approved proposed amendments to the Law on Waste Management. Presented by Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development (MERS), the legislative changes aim to align Montenegro’s waste management system with European Union legal standards.

Key provisions of the amendment include the implementation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, extended producer responsibility, and the promotion of a circular economy. The law addresses the management of packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, textiles, and mining waste. It also focuses on food waste prevention, separate bio-waste collection, and enhanced inspection oversight.

The ministry has set specific timelines for these programs: extended producer responsibility for packaging is to be established by December 31, 2027, while requirements for electronics, batteries, and textiles are slated for December 31, 2030. Additionally, the law aims to reduce food waste by at least 10% in production and 30% per capita in retail and households by 2035. This legislation is considered a critical step toward closing EU Chapter 27 by the end of the year.