EU support helps Përmet turn waste into a valuable economic resource

Last year, the city of Përmet reported 1,700 tonnes of waste, of which 27% was recyclable. This included around 467 tonnes of paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals. Until recently, these materials were transported to a landfill in Bajkaj, Saranda, under previous waste management programmes. This practice placed a heavy financial burden on the municipality, with costs stemming from transporting waste 60 km away, staff expenses, and disposal fees ranging between €28 and €50 per tonne.

Now, the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Përmet-built within the framework of the EU co-funded project EU for Circular Economy and Liveable Cities (EU4CELC) and implemented by GIZ Albania-marks a turning point. The new facility reorganises the entire process, introducing a separate collection scheme and enabling recyclables to be processed and prepared for sale, transforming waste management into a more sustainable and economically viable system.

EU Delegation to Albania

"There are clear benefits through this new structure. It not only prevents losses but also generates direct financial gains for the municipality. For example, when Përmet sends 200 tonnes of waste to Bajkaj, the city incurs costs for transportation, fuel, personnel, and landfill fees. With the construction of the Material Recovery Facility, these expenses are reduced and new revenue streams are created. Recyclable waste is now collected just 1 km from the city, processed, stored, and-once a sufficient quantity is reached-sold through a tender procedure to companies interested in these materials. Through this centre, the municipality can profit significantly: selling 100 tonnes of plastic at €250 per tonne, 100 tonnes of cardboard at €70 per tonne, and aluminium cans at €800 per tonne," explains Eduart Cani, consultant for GIZ, who worked on the project.

A new device has been installed at the Material Recovery Facility that compresses recyclable materials into compact bales weighing up to 300 kg and measuring 1.5 metres in dimension. Because the materials are uncontaminated, they can be safely stored on-site until a batch of 10-20 tonnes is accumulated, at which point tendering procedures for sale are initiated. The facility represents the culmination of extensive work that began with a research study and evolved through community engagement. Efforts included raising awareness among residents and businesses, installing recycling bins for plastics across the city and in schools, and placing additional bins for cardboard packaging and aluminium materials. Together, these initiatives laid the groundwork for a modern, efficient system that now enables Përmet to manage recyclables sustainably and profitably.

"The EU4Circular Economy and Liveable Cities project brings together 15 partner municipalities, supporting them in the shift from a traditional linear waste economy to one that conserves resources as much as possible under Albania's current conditions. The ultimate goal is to advance towards a fully circular economy, which is more sustainable and resource-efficient," explains Eduart Cani. Preliminary studies revealed that Përmet holds significant potential in recycling, processing, and selling waste. This approach not only strengthens environmental protection but also creates new income opportunities for the municipality-transforming waste that once drained the local budget into a valuable resource.

EU Delegation to Albania

The Material Recovery Facility in Përmet has the capacity to hold and process all of the municipality's packaging waste. Waste is carefully divided into fractions-dry and wet, kitchen and packaging-ensuring efficient management.

"For packaging, we estimate an annual amount ranging from 250 to 400 tonnes in the ideal case. The newly established centre is fully equipped to handle this volume, thanks to its appropriate size and modern machinery. Përmet embraced this initiative, and through it, the municipality now employs local staff, promotes environmental education, and generates income at a management cost far lower than before," explains Eduart Cani. This project marks another milestone: for the first time, municipalities in Albania can sell waste. A structured procedure has been created to enable tendering and establish cooperation with companies interested in purchasing recyclable materials, turning waste into a valuable economic resource.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The EU for Circular Economy and Liveable Cities project is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ Albania in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. It supports Albania in achieving the transition towards a circular economy and empowers municipalities to build the sustainable cities of tomorrow, contributing to improved citizens' health, green job creation, and improved energy efficiency. The project focuses on creating synergies among different stakeholders, leading to more efficient waste management services. It involves capacity development and training of waste management authorities at all levels to effectively manage circular economy initiatives.