Directions and challenges of the circular economy: Movement of municipal solid waste in city of Paraćin

Abstract

This paper aims to show a short economic analysis of the profitability of recycling management on the territory of Paraćin municipality. Consumption habits of modern society and socioeconomic conditions have made it difficult to implement sustainable waste management strategies. Industry, economics, sociocultural and political activities must work together to solve the multifaceted problem of waste management. The municipality of Paraćin is located in the central part of the Republic of Serbia, Pomoravlje region. Annually, this municipality generates about 18,000 t of waste, while the mass of recyclable waste is approximately 7,000 t. This small industrial city have been constantly facing with an insufficient number of available bins and containers for the disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Moreover, this city has been challenging by an increasing number of illegal dumps along the roads. Together with surrounding municipalities, the local government was planning to create Regional Recycling Center and Landfill with all necessary operations. Sorting of the waste at the source of its origin, and adequately disposing it in containers intended for different types of waste, would provide precisely insight into the movement of recyclable waste. In addition, with these actions by the local community, it could produce a habit among citizens for proper deposition and disposal of household waste and reduce the negative impact on the environment. This article shows the categories of waste and their percentages, as well as the resulting amount of recyclable waste, which should be a starting point for establishing a recycling center with surrounding municipalities.