Kosovo* has faced major problems in meeting European standards related to waste management. While about 90-95% of the urban population had a waste collection system, provided services were of a very low standard due to the lack of adequate facilities and equipment. Kosovo lacked proper waste management for virtually all solid waste types: domestic, industrial, health care, and hazardous. Waste collection, classification, recycling, and treatment systems, as well as infrastructure for municipal waste, were missing or where rudimentary provision was in place, it failed to meet even a basic satisfactory level of service. Data and accessible waste information systems were paltry. Cost recovery for services was low. A significant proportion of waste of various categories was thrown away in illegal dumpsites or at various unauthorised places. Appropriately constructed and operated hazardous waste facilities were lacking.
In order to strengthen solid waste management capacities in Kosovo, WBIF has provided a technical assistance grant to address issues pertinent to technical, financial, institutional and legal aspects of waste management. The scope of support included: Waste Management Sector Assessment and Reform Plan; Hazardous Waste Inventory, Assessment and Prognosis of Hazardous Waste Generation; and a Pre-feasibility Study for priority investments identified as part of the Reform Plan to improve collection and disposal infrastructure for domestic solid waste management and for the clean-up of local waste dumpsites.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
