Stakeholder Expert Group Formed to Propel Sustainable Composting Practices in Hungary

Online Meeting, August 15, 2023 — In a landmark virtual gathering on August 15th, a diverse group of stakeholders convened to establish an expert consortium dedicated to advancing sustainable composting practices in Hungary. The meeting, attended by representatives from four professional organizations, set the stage for a collaborative effort to address organic waste management challenges and harness the potential benefits of composting.

The primary objectives of the meeting included the formation of a stakeholder expert group and the presentation of an ambitious project. Participants, consisting of seven representatives from two NGOs, one public service provider, and a policy organization affiliated with the project, engaged in comprehensive discussions covering project objectives, structure, and timeline.

The meeting kicked off with introductions from each organization, providing insights into their respective roles in composting activities. Noteworthy was the emphasis placed by NGOs on awareness raising and education, with the Zöldellő Sárrét Association targeting smaller settlements and the Humusz Association extending its activities to both rural and urban areas.

The Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency, operating under the Lake Balaton Development Council, outlined its spatial development initiatives across 180 municipalities, highlighting the integration of waste, including composting, into their development policy.

The public utility service provider, VKSZ, shared its readiness for legislative changes from 2024 and current efforts in organized organic waste collection, with a focus on processing waste at its source using mulching, shredding, and recycling methods.

Key outcomes of the meeting included unanimous agreement on the importance of treating organic waste at its point of origin, addressing challenges in food waste management, and acknowledging inefficiencies in waste transportation practices. Participants identified the need for region-specific waste management systems tailored for permanent residents, summer home owners, and garden area proprietors in the Balaton region.

Discussion points also delved into proposed prevention initiatives, including the Wasteless Programme and Munch App, as well as challenges posed by existing regulations. Stakeholders expressed concerns about current legislation in Hungary, citing its prohibitive nature and lack of comprehensive solutions, while eagerly anticipating the expected regulatory changes in 2024 mandating the separate collection and disposal of organic waste.

As Hungary braces for legislative shifts, this newly formed stakeholder expert group stands poised to drive meaningful change in composting practices, leveraging collective expertise and fostering partnerships to build a sustainable and resilient waste management ecosystem.