Waste Management Strategy of the Republic of Macedonia for the period 2008–2020. Country/Territory North Macedonia Document type Date 2008 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development, Energy, Land & soil, Water, Waste & hazardous substances Keyword Organic waste Energy conservation/energy production Renewable energy Soil pollution/quality Solid waste Processing/handling Hazardous waste Integrated management International relations/cooperation Policy/planning Polluter pays principle Pollution control Protection of environment Public private partnership (PPP) Recycling/reuse Waste disposal Waste domestic sources Waste management Waste non-domestic sources Waste prevention Effluent waste water/discharge Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution Geographical area Europe, EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA, Landlocked Developing Countries, Southern Europe Abstract This Waste Management Strategy reflects the national policy in waste management and represents the basis for preparation and implementation of an integrated and cost-effective waste management system. With this strategic document, the Republic of Macedonia defines the fundamental directions in waste management for the coming twelve year period (2008-2020), on the basis of recognition of serious impacts to the living and natural environment caused by improper waste management at present and in the past, and it determines the fundamental directions of the gradual waste management system set-up based on the hierarchy of the main principles of waste management and on the main principles of sustainable use of natural resources. The Waste Management Strategy is a Government resolution, as an executive authority branch, and it predominantly represents the decisions of the Republic of Macedonia on the main environmental, economical and social goals, activities and measures towards mitigating the present environmental impacts and resolving the issues on waste management in the future. Harmonization of legislation with the acquis communautaire as the inevitable process of the Macedonian approach towards membership of European Union represents only a useful tool in the establishment of an efficient and sustainable waste management system. The Waste Management Strategy is a document on the aims and development of measures: with the primary intention of overcoming the unacceptable environmental situation with regard to impacts of improper waste management on the air, water, soil and natural environment as well as public health; with the follow-up intention to reach complete control over generated waste streams, to reduce the waste quantities and hazardous potential, to achieve the optimal material/energy recovery and final disposal of waste by means of the optimal and contemporary system of new infrastructure facilities; and with the final intention to introduce cleaner production technologies and sustainable management of natural resources and waste, as well as to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases arising from waste. Waste simultaneously possesses environmental and economic components. Waste is not only a generator of impacts to the environment, but may also be recovered and reused. All recovery phases of waste fractions usable for the production of new goods or energy represent the preservation of nonrenewable natural resources. Establishment of the functional network of the collection, treatment and disposal facilities, is mainly determined by the dynamics of investments in waste management facilities, by economic and other measures which stimulate investments, and by measures which assure that the operation costs of the entire waste management sector are fully covered according to the “polluter pays principle”. Proper management of biodegradable waste present in municipal waste and in waste from wastewater treatment, in agriculture waste and in waste from the food and beverage industry may significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Full text English Website www.moepp.gov.mk References - Legislation Implements Law on Waste Management. Legislation | North Macedonia | 2004 Keyword: Basic legislation, Waste management, Waste disposal, Waste prevention, Hazardous waste, Hazardous substances, Policy/planning, Precautionary principle, Polluter pays principle, Monitoring, Packaging/labelling, International trade, Transboundary movement of waste, Transport/storage, Inspection, Authorization/permit, Access-to-information, Data collection/reporting, Offences/penalties Source: FAO, FAOLEX