Georgia: Minister Shamugia leads Electric Waste Management project

The Georgian Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, opened the presentation event of the “Installation of Electric Waste Collection and Management System” project in Georgia.

Within the project, an electronic waste collection system will be installed for the first time. The project also plans to implement an awareness campaign.

In his welcome speech, Otar Shamugia emphasized the importance of creating a modern waste management system and noted that its implementation is a priority for the state, which the Association of the European Union also considers.

He said, “For years, we have been making important environmental reforms, which will affect several areas: forest sector, protected areas, atmospheric air quality, water resources management, etc.”

The Minister mentioned, “Our environmental policies and these reforms fully respond to the contract obligations of the Association and the steps we are taking towards Eurointegration.”

“Waste management is an integral part of environmental policy. We are in constant communication with the sector to ensure that the reform we have begun as part of our expanded manufacturing commitment is a success”, he added.

“Three organizations are already functioning, and more than 11 thousand people are registered. Waste management is one of the components of the economy and, therefore, in this process, cooperation between the business sector and state agencies is important,” said Otar Shamugia.

The participants were addressed by Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture Solomon Pavliashvili, Chairman of Parliament Committee for Environment and Natural Resources Maia Bitadze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze and Head of USAID Office for Economic Growth Michelle Koshielski.

The local municipality, business association and private sector representatives attended the event. The event was organized by Georgian Manufacturer’s Extended Commitment Association “Wasteless”.

“Wasteless” is a specific waste management association in which 10500 companies are united. The organization provides for the collection of waste electrical equipment, batteries, oils, and tires and provides a post-management cycle.

An exhibition of handicrafts made from electronic waste was organized; boxes were exhibited where old and damaged electronic waste could be placed. Notably, ten large and 178 small e-waste boxes will be dropped off at malls and public gathering places in the coming days.