On August 8, 2014, a workshop on municipal waste recycling was held at the Hotel Sheraton Metekhi Palace, Tbilisi. Participants included representatives from waste collection and recycling companies. They were welcomed by WMTR Chief of Party, Robert Bodo.

The workshop began with a presentation from Kakha Rukhaia, team leader of WMTR’s second component, Private Sector-Led Recycling. His presentation outlined the component itself, its activities, and its aim to assist waste management companies the in the target regions of Kakheti and Adjara. He also explained the requirements of national and international regulations for waste management; the responsibilities of state institutions; and the practices, challenges, and possibilities of integrated waste management.

Other topics of discussion included:

• the lack of a regulated  waste  collection  system  in  Georgia; 
• the lack of a national waste management strategy or action plan;
• how  not separating waste complicates the search of raw materials; and
• how waste generators are under no obligation to address the problem.

At the conclusion of the workshop, particpants expressed willingness to cooperate with each other by establishing an association and collaborating actively with the program. They agreed to draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which the program team will circulate for consideration before the next meeting.

At the next meeting, the program team will provide companies with information about the country’s EU Association Agreement obligations in terms of waste management. 

The Waste Management Technologies in Regions (WMTR) program is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) through its CityLinks program together with its local partner, CENN.

For additional information please contact: 

Waste Management Technologies in Regions (WMTR)

2, Orpiri str., Tbilisi, Georgia

T.: +995 32 2 43 45 22/23/24