Gusinje, a municipality nestled in the rural landscape of Montenegro, has undergone a remarkable journey towards zero waste in just 30 months. With active involvement from all stakeholders, guided by Zero Waste Europe, and driven by citizen participation, Gusinje has achieved significant milestones in waste reduction and management.

Despite facing challenges typical of underdeveloped regions, Gusinje embraced the ‘Montenegro and Albania Towards Zero Waste’ project, funded by the EU, to implement strategic measures for waste reduction and recycling. Through initiatives like establishing a Material Recovery Facility and conducting educational campaigns, Gusinje has made significant strides towards zero waste, setting an example for sustainable waste management practices in Montenegro.

Key achievements include a significant decrease in organic waste and an increase in recycling rates. Educational activities played a central role in fostering environmental awareness, with initiatives like home composting and distribution of composters contributing to waste reduction efforts. Additionally, support for local initiatives and cleanup events has strengthened community engagement.

Looking ahead, Gusinje aims to continue its commitment to zero waste, with plans outlined for long-term waste management strategies and legislative improvements. The success of Gusinje’s journey serves as a beacon for other municipalities in Montenegro, inspiring them to embark on their own zero waste initiatives.

Read the the case study of Gusinje published recently on Zero Waste Montenegro website.