The Moldovans will have access to high-quality services in the field of solid waste management. The Cabinet approved the signing of the €5.6 million grant agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for implementing the Moldova Solid Waste Project. The money is provided in addition to the €25 million sovereign loan agreement that was signed and ratified in January, IPN reports.

The project enables the expansion, regionalization, and creation of a consolidated regional solid waste management system in the participating zones. It is expected to serve as a blueprint for a sustainable solid waste management system across the country.

The EBRD’s investment will enable the government of Moldova to deliver an improved and more efficient municipal waste collection, covering not only urban centers, but rural areas as well. It will finance the purchase of waste collection and transfer assets, such as containers and collection vehicles, as well as the construction of solid waste disposal and treatment infrastructure, such as landfills and material sorting and treatment facilities.

The first Waste Management Zone to benefit from the EBRD’s support under the project includes Ungheni, Nisporeni and Calarasi districts. It requires an estimated investment of around €19.48 million. The construction of a regional sanitary landfill in accordance with EU standards, the closure of non-compliant landfills and many smaller unauthorized dumpsites will reduce illegal dumping, while investments in source separated recyclables, green waste and mixed waste treatment facilities will increase recycling rates and provide environmentally safe disposal.

The Solid Waste Project will help Moldova to achieve the national objectives stipulated in the policy documents and also the Sustainable Development Goal 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”.