Waste Management in Croatia

Croatia faces significant challenges when it comes to managing waste, but there are promising opportunities to improve. Every year, the country generates approximately 6 million tons of waste, or 1.5 tons per person. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, with only a small fraction being reused or recycled. In this guide, we’ll explore the current state of waste management in Croatia, its key challenges, and how smart solutions, like those offered by Azortum, can help create a more sustainable future.

Croatia’s waste management system heavily relies on landfills, where 58% of municipal waste is disposed of. Illegal dumping remains an issue, especially in rural areas. Despite some progress, Croatia still struggles to meet EU waste management standards.

Here are some key facts:

• Per Capita Waste: Croatians produce about 418 kilograms of waste per person annually, which is lower than the EU average of 517 kilograms per person.
• Recycling Challenges: Although recycling efforts are increasing, Croatia missed the EU goal of recycling 50% of municipal waste by 2021.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Major cities, including Zagreb, lack adequate facilities for waste sorting, composting, and recycling.

Additionally, Croatia struggles with managing specialized waste, such as construction materials, hazardous waste, and biodegradable waste, which require improved systems and innovative solutions.

Croatia has significant potential to improve its waste management practices. Key opportunities include:

• Adopting Circular Economy Principles: By focusing on reusing and recycling materials, Croatia can reduce waste and develop a thriving secondary materials market.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with experts like Azortum can help bridge infrastructure gaps and bring in advanced technologies to modernize waste management systems.
• Improving Construction Waste Recycling: With Azortum’s solutions, Croatia can better handle construction and demolition waste, helping achieve the EU’s 70% recovery target for this sector.

Azortum specializes in delivering turnkey waste sorting and bulk-handling solutions tailored to your business needs. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your waste management system is optimized for efficiency and sustainability.

1. Consultation and Design
   We begin by understanding your business objectives, facility constraints, and environmental requirements. Our team then designs a customized solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing operations.
2. Engineering and Construction
   Our experienced engineers develop detailed plans, sourcing or building the necessary equipment to create a robust waste sorting system. We handle the construction process, ensuring that all components are installed correctly and function as intended.
3. Installation and Commissioning
   We oversee the on-site installation of your waste sorting system, conducting thorough testing to ensure optimal performance. Our team runs the entire system to verify its efficiency and make any necessary adjustments.
4. After-Service Support
   Azortum provides ongoing support, including periodic maintenance according to manufacturers' recommendations. We offer training for your staff to perform regular upkeep, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your waste management system.
5. Retrofit and Upgrades
   As your business evolves, we assist with expanding, upgrading, or modifying your existing plant. Utilizing advanced 3D scanning technology, we facilitate seamless retrofitting processes to enhance your system's capabilities.
6. End-of-Life Dismantling and Reuse
   When equipment reaches the end of its operational life, we manage the deconstruction process, ensuring that components are either repurposed or recycled responsibly.

With over 30 years of engineering experience and more than 750 projects completed worldwide, Azortum is committed to delivering solutions that meet your current needs and adapt to future challenges. Our ISO 9001 certification and membership in the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry reflect our dedication to quality and excellence.

Croatia’s waste management challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities for improvement. By addressing infrastructure gaps, increasing recycling capacity, and embracing circular economy practices, Croatia can create a more sustainable waste management system. Azortum’s expertise and innovative solutions provide the tools needed to achieve these goals, ensuring compliance with EU standards and fostering a cleaner, greener future.

By working together and investing in smarter systems, Croatia can transform its waste management practices and lead the way in sustainable development.

• Factsheet Circular Economy and Waste Management in Croatia (2023)
  Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• CROATIA Waste Prevention Report (2023)
  European Environment Agency
• Waste Management Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the Period From 2023 to 2028 (2023)
  Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development