AHK Baltic 2

The initial situation

In the Baltic states, only a small proportion of biowaste has been recycled as yet. Biowaste accounts for a large proportion of municipal solid waste, i.e. waste generated in households, trade, commerce and offices. The relevant EU directives define detailed requirements for the biodegradable waste management. The collection of this type of waste has been regulated since 2024 and its recycling will also be subject to regulation as of 2025. The extent to which biowaste management can contribute to the introduction of a circular economy in Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia is being contemplated as part of the AHK Baltic States2 project.

The approach

The project focuses on the optimization of biowaste management in the Baltic States in order to promote a sustainable circular economy in line with EU directives.

The objectives and measures

The objective of the project is to establish an efficient biowaste management system in the Baltic states, where only a small proportion is currently being recycled. The high degree of recycling in Germany serves as a good example, so the knowledge transfer from Germany is of paramount importance.

Waste recycling regulations in the Baltic states are imposed at municipal level. Therefore, the project aims to develop results in the form of practical guidelines for local authorities in order to contribute to the successful implementation of biowaste management. In order to expand the mutual transfer of knowledge, representatives from local authorities are involved throughout the project.

The project begins with a requirement analysis of biowaste management in the target region and includes the acquisition of participants from participating sectors, national authorities, non-governmental organisations and municipalities. In order to be able to consider processes in detail, a waste management region is selected as a case study. The relevant processes will then be presented to the participants during an on-site visit, followed by the opportunity to exchange views and opinions.

A study trip to companies from the environmental technology sector in Germany and a local workshop with the participation of German experts are also intended to provide insights into procedures and approaches from Germany. The end of the project targets the development of guidelines for biowaste management in municipalities.