On December 4, 2015, the Waste Management Technologies in Regions (WMTR) program organized a presentation of the Georgian Waste Management Association (WMA) for USAID and other donor organizations, NGO’s, local government representatives, and the media. 

Presentation of the first Waste Management Association in Georgia

The association, established in June 2015 with the assistance from WMTR, brought together active players of the waste management sector with the purpose of adopting improved recycling methods, cooperating with decision-making authorities, supporting waste separation and manufacturing of the local products from recycled goods, and promoting a business-friendly environment in the sector.

The WMA also aims to provide consultation to those interested in the waste management sector, assist start-up businesses with know-how, create legislative and social initiatives, conduct waste management research and to create and update a database of sector's main stakeholders. 

The presentation emphasized the importance of the recycling sector development in Georgia from both environmental protection and economic perspectives. It was also noted that the association should become a strong intermediary between recycling companies and governmental entities.

According to Giorgi Guliashvili, WMA president, "By supporting recycling, we help small and medium-sized businesses, create jobs, respond to the local market demand and grow export potential both in the EU and other countries." He added that it is every citizen's duty to protect the environment by reducing littering and waste generation, thus contributing to cleaner and healthier future. 

The presentation event was interactive in nature, and the audience raised many questions on export of plastic bottles, recycling of hazardous waste, improving related legislation, and increased involvement of young people through awareness raising campaigns.

WMA will cooperate with national and international projects, local government, and donor organizations in order to address issues in the waste management sector and promote the application of modern practices.