21.04.2026
Waste Management in Georgia: Key Challenges and Solutions
Waste management in Georgia is one of the most pressing environmental and social issues. An increasingly important role in this process is played by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model, which implies that producers are responsible for their products throughout their entire life cycle - including the post-consumer stage.
Within this approach, a non-profit organization such as Tegeta Green Planet is already operating in Georgia, managing specific waste streams and contributing to the development of a more sustainable system.
As the country’s economy and urbanization continue to grow, the amount of waste is steadily increasing, while the waste management system often struggles to keep pace. As a result, the problem directly affects not only the environment but also human health.
Why is waste management a problem in Georgia?
Thousands of tons of household and industrial waste are generated daily in Georgia. Although some progress has been made in recent years, the system is still in a developmental stage.
Main challenges:
- Insufficient infrastructure
In many regions, there is still a lack of proper infrastructure for waste sorting and recycling. Landfills are often overloaded and do not meet modern standards. - Low public awareness
A large portion of the population does not sort waste. Many people are unaware of why it is important and how to do it properly. - Weak recycling sector
The number of recycling facilities is limited, which means that most waste still ends up in landfills.
What impact does this problem have?
Improper waste management leads to:
- air, water, and soil pollution
- damage to ecosystems
- increased health risks
- negative impacts on tourism and the country’s image
In the long term, this issue also affects the economy.
Solutions
Despite existing challenges, improving waste management is entirely possible - especially when the system is based on both individual responsibility and the EPR model.
The development of the EPR system enables:
- more organized and efficient waste collection
- reduced environmental impact
- increased recycling rates
- transformation of waste into a resource
Waste management in Georgia is a serious challenge, but there are already mechanisms and practical steps that provide a real foundation for solving this problem.
The development of the EPR system and the involvement of organizations such as Tegeta Green Planet demonstrate that waste management can become a more efficient and sustainable process.
Ultimately, change begins with both systemic approaches and the everyday choices of each individual.