Shkodra to become primary waste management hub for 21 Albanian municipalities

According to the 2027 draft budget, Shkodra is designated as the main waste management destination for 21 municipalities, representing approximately 34.4% of Albania's municipalities and 33.5% of its national territory.

The plan includes northern municipalities such as Malësi e Madhe, Vau i Dejës, Pukë, Fushë Arrëz, Lezhë, and Kurbin. However, the scope extends to central and southern regions, including municipalities from the Elbasan and Fier districts, such as Librazhd, Elbasan, Rrogozhinë, Peqin, Cërrik, Belsh, Përrenjas, Gramsh, Lushnjë, Roskovec, Patos, Divjakë, and Mallakastër.

This centralized approach raises concerns regarding environmental impacts and the high financial costs of long-distance transport. Logistics experts note that vehicles traveling from southern areas like Librazhd to Shkodra must navigate heavy traffic through Elbasan, Tirana, and Lezhë, potentially leading to significant delays and increased operational expenses for local governments.