The Republic of Moldova is importing more and more plastics and the plastic waste generated is increasing exponentially. Over the last ten years, the amount of plastic used in the Republic of Moldova has grown steadily by about four percent per year. To tackle the harmful consequences of plastic pollution, we need to increase producer responsibility and apply the principles of the circular economy, shows a national study on plastic waste, IPN reports.
90% of that waste is landfilled in the mix with household waste. Most often ends up in landfills are: cigarette filters made from cellulose acetate, plastic beverage bottles, plastic bottle caps, food packaging, plastic food bags, straws, and disposable tableware.
In the last three years, there has been an increase in the quantity of biodegradable bags imported into the Republic of Moldova due to new legislative changes in force. However, according to the authors, the switch to biodegradable packaging does not come with environmental benefits unless appropriate collection and recycling measures are taken. Often, "biodegradable" plastic items (including disposable plastic bags and containers) only break down completely if exposed to prolonged high temperatures of over 50°C.
In the Republic of Moldova there are 28 licensed operators whose activities include plastic waste management. The amount of plastic waste collected annually by the operators analyzed ranges from 8 tons to 2 400 tons.
The study recommends the development of a national action plan to reduce plastic waste pollution and implement the principles of the circular economy. The authors suggest reducing and phase out single-use plastic products, promoting the concept of reduction and reuse, implementation of the EPR mechanism and deposit system for plastic packaging, improving knowledge and practices for plastics and plastic waste management.
The research was developed by the Public Association “Verde e Moldova”, in partnership with the Training and Consultancy Centre "E-Circular", with the financial support of the Small Grants Program of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by UNDP.
