# Environmental protection and waste management in Montenegro > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-protection-and-waste-management-in-montenegro > Updated: 2026-09-25T08:48:01.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Environmental initiatives in Montenegro have transitioned from large-scale community action to potential legislative reform. On September 24, 2026, over 320 volunteers participated in a simultaneous coastal cleanup across Budva, Bar, Tivat, and Cetinje. Organized by the NGO Gnijezdo and funded by the French Embassy, the effort included seabed cleaning by divers to remove plastic, glass, and other debris. Following public awareness campaigns such as ‘Nisam znao, nisam znala’, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development is now evaluating stricter regulations. Minister Damjan Ćulafić reported that plastic bag presence in city landfills has decreased by approximately 70 percent. Consequently, the government is considering a total ban on plastic bags, though officials may first choose to increase fees for their use while monitoring the effectiveness of current restrictions. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Montenegro considers total ban on plastic bags Montenegro's Ecology Minister Damjan Ćulafić suggests a total ban on plastic bags may follow a successful awareness campaign that helped reduce landfill plastic waste by 70 percent. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-considers-total-ban-on-plastic-bags ### 2026-09-24: Montenegro coastal cleanup involves over 320 volunteers Over 320 volunteers participated in a coordinated coastal cleanup across Budva, Bar, Tivat, and Cetinje in Montenegro to raise awareness about waste management and environmental protection. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-coastal-cleanup-involves-over-320-volunteers --- Cite as: Environmental protection and waste management in Montenegro. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-protection-and-waste-management-in-montenegro