Solid Waste Management — Polog Region, Phase I

Project Overview

Improvement of Solid Waste Management in the Polog Region — Phase I

 

BAR E.C.E., in partnership with INFRASTRUKTUR & UMWELT Professor Böhm und Partner, provided comprehensive consulting and engineering services for the Improvement of Solid Waste Management Services in the Polog Region, financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

 

The project supported the development of the framework for an integrated, sustainable and financially viable regional waste management system, covering all nine municipalities of the Polog Region. Its objective was to improve the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of waste management services while reducing the associated environmental and public-health impacts.

 

Building an Integrated Regional Waste Management System

 

The assignment addressed the development of the future regional waste management system from strategic planning and environmental assessment through feasibility analysis, engineering design and preparation for investment.

 

A key component was the preparation of the Regional Waste Management Plan (RWMP), defining the strategic framework, infrastructure requirements, institutional arrangements and measures required for sustainable waste management across the region. The project also included a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and extensive coordination with municipalities, public utilities, national authorities and other stakeholders.

 

The planning process considered the complete waste-management chain, including collection and transportation, recycling and recovery, transfer facilities, treatment and final disposal, as well as the closure and rehabilitation of uncontrolled dumpsites.

 

From Feasibility to Investment-Ready Infrastructure

 

The project included preparation of a comprehensive Feasibility Study and Cost-Benefit Analysis for establishing an integrated and financially sustainable waste management system.

 

Particular attention was given to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Rusino regional landfill, together with transfer stations and other facilities required for collection, sorting, recycling, treatment and disposal of waste. Alternative technical solutions were assessed considering environmental, technical and financial criteria.

Following the feasibility stage, the assignment progressed to environmental impact assessment, detailed engineering design and preparation of tender documentation for selected priority waste-management infrastructure. The designs and technical specifications were developed in accordance with applicable national requirements, relevant EU directives and FIDIC conditions.

 

Strengthening Regional Waste Management

 

Beyond infrastructure planning and design, the project supported the development of the institutional and financial framework required for sustainable regional waste management.

 

This included support for establishing an Inter-Municipal Waste Management Utility, development of its organizational and financial framework, and preparation of institutional-strengthening and capacity-building measures.

 

The project also introduced quick-win measures aimed at preventing further environmental degradation, improving access to waste-management services and increasing public environmental awareness, providing visible improvements while preparing the region for longer-term infrastructure investments.