Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Rapid urbanization, increased consumption, and insufficient waste management infrastructure have led to the accumulation of plastics in landfills, waterways, and natural ecosystems, posing serious risks to both the environment and human health. Effective management of plastic waste is therefore critical for safeguarding ecosystems, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable development.

Funded by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the Basel and Stockholm Conventions programmes, this project aims to strengthen the management of plastic waste by developing and field-testing practical guidance and technical tools. Its primary objective is to support national authorities and stakeholders in creating comprehensive inventories of plastic waste and in applying environmentally sound management (ESM) practices.

The project fosters a collaborative approach, engaging governments, technical experts, and local communities to build capacity, improve knowledge, and encourage sustainable practices. By testing both inventory guidance and technical ESM guidelines in real-world conditions, the project seeks to generate actionable insights and demonstrate effective methods for reducing environmental and health risks associated with plastic waste.

Key Activities

  • Development and field-testing of guidance for creating national plastic waste inventories, ensuring data accuracy and reliability for policy and planning purposes.
  • Evaluation and testing of technical guidelines for the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes, including collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal practices.
  • Engagement with national authorities, stakeholders, and local communities to validate approaches, share knowledge, and strengthen capacities for effective plastic waste management.
  • Documentation and dissemination of results to provide clear, practical recommendations for integrating tested guidelines into national waste management systems.

Through these activities, the project contributes to safer, more sustainable plastic waste management, improved regulatory capacity, and stronger collaboration between governments, experts, and communities across participating countries.

Project is implemented in cooperation with the Slovak Environment Agency, with activities carried out between October 2023 and April 2024.