NEWS: E-Waste Challenges and Strategic Opportunities in Dubrovnik-Neretva County
As part of the CIRCLEWASTE project, project partner Regional Agency DUNEA has conducted the E-Waste Business Market Assessment for Dubrovnik-Neretva County, identifying key challenges, opportunities, and strategic directions for future development.
Located in the southernmost part of Croatia, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, with a population of around 115,000, faces growing challenges in managing electronic waste due to the rapid turnover of electronic devices. While e-waste poses environmental risks, it also holds valuable materials that can support a circular economy if properly managed.
The county demonstrates a degree of stakeholder engagement, especially among utility companies, public institutions, and private sector actors. However, persistent issues include inadequate infrastructure, limited coordination, weak regulatory enforcement, and low public
awareness of circular economy principles.
Utility companies manage the largest volumes of e-waste, while smaller institutions like schools and local governments handle minimal amounts. Tracking and data transparency remain limited, and informal waste flows further hinder progress.
To address these challenges and align with EU circular economy goals, the assessment outlines a set of strategic recommendations:
- Strengthen digital monitoring of waste flows,
- Expand the collection infrastructure, especially in remote areas,
- Introduce financial incentives for reuse and recycling initiatives,
- and provide legal and operational support to the reuse sector.
Other priorities include improved regulatory enforcement, increased citizen engagement through awareness campaigns and education, and stronger collaboration across the entire e-waste value chain.
Successful local models, such as the Bigbelly smart bin system operated by Čistoća Dubrovnik and the work of Tehnomobil, show that scalable and community-focused solutions are possible. With the right investments, coordination, and public support, Dubrovnik-Neretva County can build a more resilient and inclusive e-waste management system that supports a truly circular economy.
More information on the study 👉🏼 here