The municipality of Graçanica is grappling with an escalating environmental crisis, as illegal dumpsites, a shortage of waste containers, and the absence of an efficient recycling system increasingly affect the daily lives of residents. The situation has raised concerns about public health, environmental degradation, and broader community wellbeing.
Growing Pressure on Local Infrastructure
For years, residents have struggled with the accumulation of waste in public spaces. Today, the problem has intensified, with high waste-processing fees and limited municipal capacity contributing to the rise of uncontrolled dumping.
Locals note that the issue is no longer limited to remote areas—waste can now be found near schools, residential zones, and alongside the Graçanka River.
Projects and Partnerships: Slow but Important Progress
In response, several international and local partners have begun supporting reforms in waste management.
USAID has launched initiatives aimed at improving collection and processing systems. One example involves Berjan Çeliqi, a resident of Preoce, who received machinery for compacting and transporting waste. Although Çeliqi could not be reached for comment, project implementers expressed hope that the equipment is being used effectively and transparently.
Meanwhile, the “Recycling Matters” project is working to integrate informal waste collectors into a formal system, connecting them with municipalities and private companies in Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro. The project aims to both reduce waste and improve livelihoods.
A Public-Health and Quality-of-Life Priority
Environmental experts stress that reducing waste is essential not only for aesthetics but for public health. Improperly managed waste increases the risk of infectious diseases, affects air and soil quality, and jeopardizes the wellbeing of children who play near polluted areas.
They emphasize two critical priorities:
- Strengthening local infrastructure, including more containers and reliable collection
- Educating citizens to support recycling and responsible disposal
Without both, they argue, long-term improvements are difficult to achieve.
Regional Comparisons and Persistent Challenges
Compared with cities such as Niš and Prishtina, Graçanica remains in the early stages of building a comprehensive waste-management system. Limited funding and incomplete alignment of municipal regulations continue to slow progress.
However, newly approved EU-funded initiatives, combined with cooperation between citizens, local institutions, and international donors, provide momentum for meaningful change.
Why This Story Matters
The “Waste Without Borders” initiative underscores that even small municipalities can pioneer environmental improvements when communities mobilize around shared interests. Graçanica stands as an example of how local engagement, supported by institutional and international partners, can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.
