Recycling Albania's Circular Economy Park: promoting sustainable resource management
Reduce first and then reuse everything where possible
Recycling Albania (RecycAl) was set up in 2022, based on the zero waste hierarchy. It aims to transform Albania’s waste sector into a model for sustainable resource management and lead the way in circular economy solutions in the Western Balkans. It advocates for solutions that are environmentally sound, socially just, economically feasible and politically enforceable.
RecycAl believes that reusing material has a positive impact on the environment and can yield economic benefits. Properly organised waste collection has social implications too: informal waste collectors, including vulnerable groups like the Roma community, struggle to make ends meet while facing hazardous conditions.
Its Circular Economy Park should be fully functional in 2025. By embracing the principles of circular economy and community engagement, it aims to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic development and social cohesion.
Pillars of the Circular Economy Park
- Multifunctional Education Centre:
A hub for learning, innovation and collaboration. Visitors can explore sustainable products, participate in workshops and enjoy a coffee at the Repair Café.
- Recycling Yard:
A dedicated space for collecting, sorting and processing recyclable materials.
- Second-Hand Store “World of Values”:
A unique retail experience that promotes conscious consumption and celebrates diverse lifestyles. From electronics to clothing, every item tells a story of sustainability and social responsibility.
RecycAL aims to:
- reduce landfill waste by up to 40% in target municipalities and significantly increase waste recycling;
- lower greenhouse gas emissions through recycling and waste reduction;
- create new green jobs and business opportunities in the circular economy sector;
- support Albania’s transition towards European sustainability standards;
- provide stable incomes for waste collectors and promote circular economy solutions;
- inspire a new generation of eco-conscious citizens and leaders through educational initiatives and partnerships with schools and businesses;
- create a thriving ecosystem where environmental stewardship and economic prosperity go hand in hand.