Overview

The European Union and two UN agencies - the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) join efforts with the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), and with technical expertise from Avfall Sverige (Swedish Waste Management Association), to support Georgia in building a green, circular, and inclusive economy. 

With a total budget of over USD 4.5 million, the joint programme focuses on waste reduction and recycling to protect public health and improve resource efficiency through strengthened Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems.

What We Do

• Implementing Inclusive EPR Policies: Supporting the development of inclusive, fair, and gender-sensitive EPR waste-management plans and establishing and strengthening Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), with a focus on packaging and end-of-life vehicles. Targeted waste streams include used portable batteries and accumulators, used lead-acid batteries, waste oils, waste electrical and electronic equipment, end-of-life tires, end-of-life vehicles, and packaging waste. The packaging category covers paper and cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass.
• Capacity building & knowledge transfer: Deliver technical assistance, participatory trainings, and study tours to strengthen PROs, civil society organisations/NGOs, social enterprises, and recyclers.
• Access to green finance: Build financial literacy and connect actors to public and private funding—grants, soft/concessional loans, and investor matchmaking—with priority for women-led and community-based initiatives.
• Awareness & behaviour change: Inform consumers, youth, and retailers about their role in waste prevention and recycling; mobilise schools, youth clubs, and influencers to promote sustainable practices.
• Inclusive recycling infrastructure: Establish accessible, efficient systems for separate collection, reverse logistics, pre-treatment, and recycling of EPR streams, including portable and lead-acid batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, waste oils, end-of-life tires, packaging, and end-of-life vehicles.

Expected Results

• Effective implementation of EPR schemes.
• Strengthened the capacities of at least four existing PROs and established new ones.
• Development of inclusive waste management plans and technical manuals.
• Facilitate access to financing for recycling activities and green entrepreneurship.
• Active engagement of women and youth in EPR and circular economy initiatives.
• Public awareness campaigns and school-based education on waste reduction.
• Improved infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and recycling at the local level.