Before joining the EU in 2004, Slovenia had no proper waste separation and collection schemes in place. Today its capital, Ljubljana, has implemented a new collection and sorting system for municipal rest, making it a frontrunner in waste management. The city has reduced landfilling by 59% and waste generation by 15%, with a recycling rate now 20 percentage points above the EU average.

In less than ten years, the capital, Ljubljana, managed to become a frontrunner in waste management. The city leapfrogged the traditional waste management approach and developed a strong collection and sorting system.

The system has reduced incineration, landfilling by 59% and waste generation by 15%, proving its feasibility in a very short time. Ljubljana’s recycling rate is now 20 percentage points above the EU average and 10 percentage points above its 2020 targets. Ljubljana generates 10% less municipal waste than the EU average, and has one of the lowest waste management cost burdens in Europe. According to the city, political courage, community engagement, and effective communication campaigns have been key elements in Ljubljana’s success.

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