In January 2016, the project ‘Strengthening Social Inclusion and Economic Empowerment of marginalized groups in Mitrovicë/a’, funded by the European Union Office in Kosovo and implemented by Danish Refugee Council, began implementing a collection scheme for recyclable materials, ‘Mitrovica Recycles’, giving citizens in Mitrovicë/a South the opportunity to recycle plastics and aluminium cans.

With co-funding provided by Sida and the assistance of Prishtina-based NGO Green Art Center (GAC), 3 primary schools, 2 secondary schools and the Municipal building were selected to pilot at-source recycling. As a first step, GAC helped establish Green Clubs in the 5 participating schools.

217 Green Club members between the ages of 12-18 were trained by GAC on the importance of environmental protection and recycling, separation of waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials and the role of Green Clubs in promoting recycling in their respective schools.

In a second step, all 5 schools and the municipal building will be equipped with separation containers in classrooms and hallways to enable proper recycling. As a result, over 4000 children and youths as well as municipal employees and visitors will have access to recycling opportunities. The recycled materials will be collected by the Social Enterprise treciklo, providing employment and income opportunities to informal waste collectors and diverting waste from landfills.