From Awareness to Action: Tetovo's Journey in Waste Management

Abstract

Abstract Waste is increasing worldwide, causing many adverse impacts to the environment, human health, as well as the global climate. The increasing global waste generation trend is also reflected in North Macedonia, including Tetovo, where lower sustainable waste management practices pose an ongoing challenge. This research offers a comprehensive examination of the city of Tetovo's waste management practices, focusing on its residents’ awareness levels and the undertaken strategies for sustainability. Building on existing research and new insights (especially those generated through the survey with Tetovo's citizens), it explores the historical evolution of waste management in Tetovo, highlighting past challenges and initiatives. With a focus on 'Municipal Public Services Co. (JPK) Tetova', the study navigates legislative hurdles, regional constraints, and potential for intermunicipal collaboration. Furthermore, it extracts Tetovo's community behaviors and awareness level through a conducted survey with citizens, which's insights reveal a significant gap between awareness and active citizen participation, underscoring the need for actionable recommendations. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks like Waste Management Theory (WMT) and the “Zero Waste” concepts, this research explores opportunities for enhancing sustainability in Tetovo's waste management approach. Additionally, it discusses the implications of waste management on climate change, emphasizing the need for alignment with international standards to mitigate environmental impacts. Based on the literature review findings and survey data, the research proposes practical steps for improving waste management practices in Tetovo. These include collaborative initiatives, awareness-raising campaigns, educational programs, and measures for incentivizing compliance, all centered around a citizen-centric approach. By implementing these recommendations, Tetovo can progress towards a more efficient, environmentally conscious waste management system, benefiting present and future generations. Furthermore, stakeholders are encouraged to leverage the insights from this study to collaboratively implement effective strategies for fostering sustainable waste management practices, thereby empowering citizens to contribute actively to environmental conservation efforts.