5th Stakeholder Meeting of ORZ - Maribor Municipality

On January 6th 2025, the Environmental Research Institute held the 5th stakeholder meeting within the WEEEWaste project at the premises of the Municipality of Maribor, gathering 5 representatives: 2 representatives from the Regional Development Agency of Maribor, 2 representatives of the Municipality of Maribor (MOM) and 1 representative from the Environmental Research Institute. 

Firstly, dr. Marinka Vovk presented the starting points for the goals pursued by the WEEEWaste project, which were the following: the importance of e-waste as a key segment in the circular concept and the inclusion of e-waste in the waste management strategy and Municipal Environmental Protection Programme.

A representative of MOM, Andraž Mlaker, presented the concept of a new project titled 'KROG', which combines a multidimensional approach to waste management. The project includes: the possibility of using degraded areas, thus addressing the problem of unused land and their potential for sustainable projects, concern for energy use, including the possibility of thermal treatment of waste for energy recovery as well as reducing the amount of waste, which remains a major challenge due to the complexity of existing waste streams and legislative requirements. 

Furthermore, Mr. Mlaker emphasized that achieving these goals will require strong support from all stakeholders, innovative approaches and long-term solutions. It was emphasized that e-waste management remains a key focus, as its proper management is essential due to the requirements of the EU legislation. Those presented expressed their willingness to continue to cooperate and support the implementation of the strategy and project objectives that follow a circular economy and sustainable waste management.