Logo

Economic Policy of Waste Management and Utilization in Georgia

წოწორია.jpg
Nika Tsotsoria

PhD Student at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Abstract

Research Objective: The primary objective of this research is to examine the economic policy of waste management and utilization in Georgia and to evaluate its impact on sustainable economic development and environmental protection. The study seeks to analyze the role of waste management as an economic instrument, assess the effectiveness of existing policy measures, and identify the potential of waste utilization in supporting resource efficiency, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Particular attention is given to the alignment of Georgia’s waste management policy with international standards and circular economy principles.

Methodological Approach: The research is based on a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. The study utilizes official statistical data from national authorities, legislative and strategic policy documents, and analytical reports published by international organizations. Methods such as comparative analysis, trend analysis, and descriptive economic assessment are applied to evaluate current waste management practices, economic instruments, and institutional arrangements. This methodological framework enables a comprehensive assessment of challenges, policy effectiveness, and future development prospects in the waste management sector of Georgia.

Main Results and Implications: The main results of the study indicate that the waste management policy in Georgia generates both environmental and economic benefits. The efficient use of waste contributes to resource conservation, the development of innovative projects, employment growth, and the strengthening of the regional economy. The conclusions and proposed recommendations of the study can be applied to policy development, attracting investments, and improving practical waste management programs.

Keywords: Waste management, economic policy, circular economy, Georgia, sustainable development.

References

  1. Pavliashvili, S. (2023). Waste Management and Extended Producer Responsibility in Georgia. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. https://www.mepa.gov.ge/En/News/Details/21302
  2. Pavliashvili, S. (2024). Symposium: Waste Management and Circular Economy. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. Retrieved from: https://www.mepa.gov.ge/Ge/News/Details/22903
  3. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA). (2024). A New Project aimed at Waste Management in Georgia. https://mepa.gov.ge/En/News/Details/21654
  4. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021). Circular economy in waste management. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
  5. European Environment Agency. (2020). Circular economy and waste management in Europe. https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/waste
  6. Formal and informal solid waste management in Kutaisi. (2022). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36416082
  7. Georgian Ministry of Environmental Protection. (2022). Waste management system in Georgia. https://waste.mepa.gov.ge/Methodology/Index
  8. Georgian National Statistics Office. (2022). Municipal waste generated per capita in Georgia. https://www.ceicdata.com/en/georgia/environmental-waste-management-non-oecd-member-annual/municipal-waste-generated-kg-per-capita
  9. OECD. (2020). Municipal waste management indicators. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd.org/environment/waste/
  10. World Bank. (2021). Solid waste management in Georgia: Challenges and opportunities. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/georgia
  11. Tskhakaia, K. (2024). Biodegradable waste management in Georgia: Opportunities and challenges. Environmental and Climate Technologies, 28(1), 556–565. https://sciendo.com/de/article/10.2478/rtuect-2024-0043
  12. Lomia, T. (2020). The economic policy of waste management in Georgia. Ecoforum Journal, 9(1). https://ecoforumjournal.ro/index.php/eco/article/view/1955
  13. Akaki Tsereteli State University. (2025). Waste Management Challenges and Opportunities in Tourist Destinations of Imereti. Georgian Scientists Journal. https://journals.4science.ge/index.php/GS/article/view/3897
  14. Dvalishvili, N. (n.d.). Impact of incineration of municipal solid waste on climate change in Georgia. Walsh Medical Media. https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/proceedings/impact-of-incineration-ofmunicipal-solid-waste-on-climate-change-in-georgia-38662.html
  15. Buachidze, N., Dzebisashvili, N., Gurguliani, I., & Chikviladze, K. (2023). Circular economy of Georgia. In Circular Economy: Recent Trends in Global Perspective (pp. xx–xx). IDEAS RePEc. https://ideas.repec.org/h/spr/sprchp/978-981-16-0913-8_12.html
  16. REC Caucasus. (2022). Support to Waste Management and Development of Circular Economy in Georgia. https://rec-caucasus.org/project/support-to-waste-management-and-development-of-circular-economy-in-georgia/
  17. Khatiwada, D., et al. (2021). Circularity in the management of municipal solid waste – A systematic review. Environmental and Climate Technologies, 25(1), 491–507. https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2021-0036
  18. OECD. (2019). Waste management and the circular economy in selected OECD countries: Evidence from environmental performance reviews. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/industry/waste-management-and-the-circular-economy-in-selected-oecd-countries-9789264309395-en.htm
  19. European Commission. (2020). Circular economy action plan. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/circular-economy-action-plan_en
  20. World Bank. (2020). Georgia: Municipal waste management modernization. https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P160215

21. European Investment Bank. (2021). Financing waste management projects in Eastern Europe and Caucasus. https://www.eib.org/en/projects/sectors/environment/waste-management/index.htm

22. UNDP. (2022). Municipal waste management in Georgia. https://www.undp.org/georgia/publications/municipal-waste-management

23. REC Georgia. (2025). Waste management in Georgia: Guidelines and best practices. https://recp.ge/ge/waste-management.htm

24. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2022). Circular economy in practice: Case studies https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/case-studies

25. Gurguliani, I. (2025). Waste management and circular economy issues in Georgia. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Retrieved from https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/5_2_ENG_waste%20policy-georgia.pdf

26. Dvalishvili, N., & Kobalia, M. (2021). Waste management policies in Georgia: Analysis and future perspectives. Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning, 23(3), 345–362.

27. Matsne.gov.ge. (2025). Georgia – Waste Management Code. https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2676416

28. National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). Environmental Statistics https://www.geostat.ge/en/modules/categories/73/environment-statistics

29. European Environment Agency. (2021). Waste management in Europe – Trends and indicators. https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/waste

30. Khutsishvili, T., & Lomidze, N. (2022). Circular economy and resource efficiency in Georgian municipalities. Georgian Economic Review, 14(2), 101–118.

The new Economist, No4, 2025, Vol. 20, Issue 4.

04-2025-გარეკანი.jpg
Published Date:

11/01/2026

Article Views: 17