In efforts to address waste management and promote sustainable practices, Albania has taken an important step with the opening of the Composting Center in Cërrik. Supported by the European Union, this project represents a successful model of circular economy implementation at the local level and is part of the national strategy for integrated waste management.
The Composting Center has the capacity to process up to 300 tons of organic waste annually, significantly reducing the volume of waste ending up in landfills or other traditional disposal sites. Instead, organic waste—including branches, garden waste, and food leftovers—is processed and transformed into high-quality compost, which is used as organic fertilizer by local farmers.
This process contributes to returning natural nutrients to the agricultural cycle, improving soil structure and fertility, while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers that harm the environment. Moreover, the project has an important social and economic impact on the local community by creating jobs and raising awareness about the importance of recycling and waste management.
“The Composting Center in Cërrik is a concrete example of how the circular economy can become a reality in Albania,” said a representative of the EU Delegation in Albania. “This initiative aligns with our goals for sustainable development and improving citizens’ quality of life.”
In addition to infrastructure investments, the project includes specialized training for municipal workers and awareness campaigns for residents, emphasizing the importance of waste separation at source and sustainable waste management practices.
This project is an essential part of Albania’s efforts to prepare for EU accession by harmonizing environmental standards with European ones and contributing to the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement goals and the National Waste Management Plan.
In conclusion, the Composting Center in Cërrik represents a best practice model demonstrating that even small municipalities can play a key role in Albania’s transition toward a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable economy.
References:
- European Union Delegation to Albania, “Composting Center Project in Cërrik,” Link
- Ministry of Tourism and Environment, National Waste Management Strategy, 2023
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Report on Circular Economy in the Western Balkans, 2024
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