NEWS: E-Waste Study Presents Challenges and Opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is at an early stage of developing a structured and effective e-waste management system. While there is a general legislative framework in place, aligned to some extent with EU regulations, the practical implementation and enforcement of e-waste policies remain limited. Collection targets are largely unmet, and the reuse and refurbishment sectors are still nascent. The lack of consistent national data makes it difficult to accurately measure progress, but available indicators point to low collection rates and insufficient infrastructure for proper treatment and recycling. A comprehensive assessment of the e-waste market in Bosnia and Herzegovina was conducted with the active participation of 26 diverse organisations from across the country.
The Collection of E-waste is Increasing
The yearly amount of e-waste per person in Bosnia and Herzegovina is growing. According to data from the Statistics Agency from 2020, the amount of e-waste increased by 2.5% compared to the year before. ZEOS Ltd is the biggest e-waste collector in the country. An analysis of collected waste data from the first year of operations of the company, compared to 2024 reveals that the volume of collected e-waste in 2024 increased by approximately 705% compared to 2013. Considering the total amount of e-waste collected since the company began operations and the amount collected in 2024, they find that 16.05% of all e-waste was collected in 2024 alone. While precise national figures remain limited due to fragmented reporting systems, early estimates suggest that collection rates are still significantly below European standards, underscoring the need for enhanced waste management strategies and infrastructure development.
The System is There
Following the current Regulation on Waste Management of Electrical and Electronic Products, all importers, manufacturers, and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment in the country have a legal obligation to participate in a waste management system.
At the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s e-waste management strategy is the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which seeks to hold producers accountable for the collection, treatment, and recycling of their products at end-of-life. While the formal establishment of EPR schemes and affiliated consortia is ongoing, efforts are underway to create operational frameworks that encourage producers to adopt environmentally sustainable product designs and to participate actively in waste management.
Challenges
Infrastructure for e-waste management in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unevenly distributed, with more developed systems concentrated in larger urban centers, while many rural and less developed regions face serious infrastructural gaps. This imbalance means that a significant number of municipalities are located far from officially designated or certified e-waste collection points, making it difficult for citizens to access proper disposal services.
In summary, despite the existence of a legal framework and some institutional capacities, the e-waste management system in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces multiple challenges that hinder its full potential and the fulfillment of relevant standards. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts to reduce regional disparities, strengthen logistical capacities, simplify administrative procedures, increase financial support for reuse projects, and integrate the informal sector into the official waste management system.
More information on the study 👉🏼 here