Kosovo’s transition toward a circular economy represents both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. The country’s current material use patterns remain predominantly linear, characterised by high landfill dependency, limited recycling capacity, and underdeveloped secondary material markets. While Kosovo generates less waste per capita than the European Union average, its material recovery performance remains significantly lower, with the majority of municipal waste disposed of in sanitary landfills and recycling activities occurring primarily through fragmented formal and informal channels. At the same time, waste generation per capita is increasing, illegal dumping persists, and valuable materials continue to be lost from the economic system. This model creates long-term environmental liabilities, increases resource dependency, and limits opportunities for domestic value creation.
Recent policy developments signal a shift toward a more circular approach. Kosovo has adopted a Circular Economy Roadmap, revised its Integrated Waste Management Strategy, introduced economic instruments such as plastic bag fees, and initiated the development of a Deposit Return System for beverage containers. These measures establish an initial policy foundation aligned with the European Union Circular Economy Action Plan and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. However, implementation remains at an early stage, and the transition from strategic commitment to operational circular systems is not yet complete. Institutional coordination gaps, insufficient infrastructure, incomplete producer responsibility systems, and weak market demand for secondary materials continue to constrain progress.
The policy recommendations presented in this report provide a structured implementation roadmap through 2030. They focus on strengthening governance and data systems, establishing producer responsibility frameworks, modernising municipal waste services, scaling priority circular value chains, and supporting circular business development. Implemented effectively, these measures can reduce environmental risks, generate economic value, create employment, and support Kosovo’s long-term alignment with European Union circular economy objectives.