NEWS: WASTE – A RESOURCE for the Development of the Circular Economy: Key Takeaways

On 8-9 December 2025, Podgorica hosted the conference “WASTE – A RESOURCE for the Development of the Circular Economy”, held at the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. The event gathered experts and stakeholders from the region to discuss challenges and opportunities in waste management, with a focus on circular economy practices.

The conference was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, and the Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Zlatibor Administrative District. The collaboration aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and exchange knowledge and experience in circular economy initiatives.

A highlight of the second day, 9 December, was the panel “Electronic Waste: Legislation, Obligations and Sustainable Solutions”, featuring Vanja Cicmil, Executive Director of Zero Waste Montenegro. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the EU regulatory framework on e-waste, the current situation in Montenegro, and the national legal context. Beyond legislation, she emphasized the practical aspects of responsible electronic waste management, showing that tackling e-waste is not only a matter of compliance but also of adopting sustainable practices in everyday life.

Cicmil highlighted the importance of prevention, extending the lifespan of devices, reuse, and recycling. She shared examples of good practice and sustainable solutions that demonstrate how e-waste can be transformed from a growing environmental burden into a valuable resource. The panel made clear that addressing electronic waste effectively requires both systemic changes and shifts in individual and organizational behavior.

Events like this underline the growing recognition of electronic waste as a critical issue for the region and beyond. By combining regulatory guidance, practical strategies, and collaborative approaches, stakeholders are working toward a future where waste is no longer seen as a problem but as a resource – paving the way for a truly circular economy.