Tbilisi is poised to undergo a major transformation in waste management as City Hall finalizes a comprehensive strategy and five-year action plan that will soon be submitted to the City Council for approval. The strategy, developed in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the German consultancy ICP, envisions a shift toward modern, eco-conscious waste handling practices, including separate waste collection, recycling, and the eventual sale of processed materials.
According to Mayor Kakha Kaladze, the new strategy marks a critical step away from the current system, where nearly all of the city's 411,000 tons of annual waste is disposed of in landfills, including biodegradable waste, which significantly harms the environment and public health.
Kaladze acknowledged the delay in advancing the plan, which was reportedly completed as early as 2022. He attributed the three-year holdup to the city’s limited expertise and lack of local waste management professionals, necessitating support from foreign partners.
“In the coming years, we will launch separate waste collection, develop recycling infrastructure, and introduce two- and three-bin systems for households. The project also includes installing landfill gas collection, leachate treatment, and new sorting facilities,” Kaladze said during a City Government session.
A winning bidder has already been selected to implement the strategy under the supervision of international experts. The project is expected to generate millions of lari through the sale of recyclable materials, create jobs, and expand the role of the private sector in municipal waste services.
In parallel, City Hall will conduct a public awareness campaign aimed at educating residents about waste separation, recycling, and the broader environmental benefits of the initiative. Several potential sites for new landfills have also been identified, with details expected to be released later.
“This is more than just a technical project. It’s about shaping a cleaner, safer and greener future for Tbilisi. The waste we discard today shouldn’t become tomorrow’s burden, it should become a resource,” Kaladze said, adding that this strategy is a foundation for long-term sustainable urban development.
City Hall has not yet disclosed financial details about the plan or the extent of EBRD’s investment, though the mayor emphasized that the partnership with international organizations was crucial for ensuring modern, transparent implementation.
