Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20901/pp.14.1.04
Sustainable waste management in theory and practice: zero waste model in Croatian region of Donje Međimurje
Ivan Miković
orcid.org/0000-0001-8777-0574
; WYG Savjetovanje d.o.o.
*
Anka Kekez
; Univertsity of Zagreb, Faculty of Political Science
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Sustainable waste management is one of the most important issues that EU countries are obliged to implement in the context of the European environmental acquis. An important objective of the acquis is the introduction of a zero-waste management model, which involves a multidisciplinary approach aimed at preserving all resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recycling of products and materials without incineration or release into the soil, water, or air that endangers the environment or human life. The aim of this article is to provide a structured, comprehensive, and detailed description of the organization of municipal waste management within the framework of the zero-waste model. The case on which we base the description comes from the Croatian region of Donje Međimurje, with the focus on the town of Prelog as the reference point of the study, where we try to answer the research question: How is waste management organized at the local level within the zero-waste model? Based on the analysis of documents and interviews with the main actors of the local waste management system, the paper identifies the key elements of the zero-waste model: 1) sustainable objectives of local strategic documents, 2) an effective network of actors (EU, competent ministry, local self-government, utility service providers, non-governmental
sector, citizens), 3) established cooperative relationships between actors, 4) use of modern and participatory public policy instruments, and 5) the active role of citizens.
Keywords
sustainable waste management; Prelog and Donje Međimurje; zero- waste model; elements of waste management organization
Hrčak ID:
318607
URI
Publication date:
29.6.2024.
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