Regional Workshop on Cost Recovery in Waste Sector and 2nd Annual Meeting of Waste Management and Strategic Planning and Investments Working Groups

Date: 18-19.03.2015
Place: Tirana, Albania
Organizer: ECRAN Secretariat with EC TAIEX Unit


Waste Framework Directive requires that, in in accordance with the polluter-pays principle, the costs of disposing of waste must be borne by the holder of waste, by previous holders or by the producers of the product from which the waste came. Also the cost shall be allocated in such a way as to reflect the real costs to the environment of the generation and management of waste.

Countries in the region still lack well established methodologies for cost recovery. This problem is growing with each new investment into waste management operations. Economic instruments, except of packaging charges, are almost not used. Landfill taxes or similar instruments, which would support recycling and divert waste from landfilling are still to be developed.

Considering situation in the region, Strategic Planning and Investments WG and Waste Management WG convenes joint workshop to better assess the situation and propose ways for strengthening of cost recovery policies and provide wide range of economic instruments in support of source separation and achieving recycling targets.

Objectives of the Workshop:

Wider Objectives:

To provide practical knowledge on experience of other countries and support establishment of cost- recovery mechanisms in the region.

Specific Objectives:

  • To establish common understanding on main terms, definitions and principles for cost recovery in waste sector.
  • To provide information on economic incentives for better waste management supporting achievement of waste recycling, biodegradable waste diversion and other targets as required by the EU waste management law.
  • To present and discuss legal basis and institutional mechanisms for tariff setting
  • To analyse impacts of cost recovery for investment projects and process planning.
  • To familiarise with cost – benefit analysis and application of it in waste management sector
  • To agree on next steps.

Expected Results of the workshop:

The expected results are:

  • Delivery of presentations as foreseen in the agenda
  • Established/ improved knowledge base regarding cost recovery mechanisms
  • Established/ improved knowledge base regarding economic instruments in waste management sector
  • Increased experience in cost benefit analysis
  • Practical knowledge and experience in financial analysis.