MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – Waste deposal and recycling is one of the biggest challenges of our time, relevant both globally and for Belarus. Aleksei Filanovich, Head of the Department of Public Utilities and Energy at the Ministry of Housing and Utility Services of Belarus, told a press conference in Minsk on 12 November, BelTA has learned.
Each year, the country generates over 4 million tonnes of municipal solid waste. In 2024, this volume reached 4.3 million tonnes, of which 3.5 million tonnes were collected and received from households and organizations. Additionally, around 800,000 tonnes of secondary material resources, which do not require sorting, were collected separately, Aleksei Filanovich said.
“According to statistics, a Belarusian generates over 433 kg of waste per year, which is 2.5 times more than 30 years ago when the figure was 177 kg. Today, the main task is not just to transport waste to landfills but to maximize recycling, giving waste a second life and minimizing burial. Waste removal services are accessible to everyone, covering 100% of the population,” he said. “We are promoting separate waste collection, creating the necessary conditions for it, and about 90% of citizens are involved in this effort. Previously, the waste management system was stagnant, but it is now picking up steam. In 2012, about 10% of municipal waste was recycled, and in 2024, this figure increased nearly fourfold to 39.6%.”
Last year, approximately 840,000 tonnes of secondary raw materials were sent for recycling: waste paper, glass, plastic, tires, and non-functional household appliances and electronics. A modern infrastructure for waste processing is being built across the country. There are 10 waste sorting plants in Minsk, regional centers, and the cities of Baranovichi, Orsha, Bobruisk, and Novopolotsk. Additionally, there are 81 sorting lines in districts that apply manual sorting across several key fractions (paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal). The plants are largely automated and separate various types of secondary material resources in automatic or semi-automatic modes, Aleksei Filanovich said.
“Over recent years, we have built up the capacities for sorting municipal solid waste by consolidating districts into zones with regional waste sorting plants. Three such facilities are currently operational: the Brest service zone (including Brest and neighboring districts), the Baranovichi zone, and the Orsha zone. In 2025, regional facilities for the Bobruisk zone and Minsk (Minsk Waste Processing Plant) were commissioned. The construction of facilities in Novopolotsk, Gomel, and Volkovysk District are in the final stages. We are planning to increase separate waste collection to 100% by involving villages and private residential areas. Special attention will be given to the collection of hazardous waste such as batteries, mercury lamps, electronic equipment, and expired medications at their points of sale,” Aleksei Filanovich noted.
In January-September 2025, 691,000 tonnes of secondary material resources were collected and sent for recycling in Belarus, accounting for 71.3% of the annual plan. “The leaders in collection are the city of Minsk and Gomel Oblast. The latter posted the most significant growth in the procurement of secondary material resources over last year - approximately 25%. Grodno Oblast has met the annual target for all types of secondary resources by74%, which is highest result among regions,” he said.
Each year, the country generates over 4 million tonnes of municipal solid waste. In 2024, this volume reached 4.3 million tonnes, of which 3.5 million tonnes were collected and received from households and organizations. Additionally, around 800,000 tonnes of secondary material resources, which do not require sorting, were collected separately, Aleksei Filanovich said.
“According to statistics, a Belarusian generates over 433 kg of waste per year, which is 2.5 times more than 30 years ago when the figure was 177 kg. Today, the main task is not just to transport waste to landfills but to maximize recycling, giving waste a second life and minimizing burial. Waste removal services are accessible to everyone, covering 100% of the population,” he said. “We are promoting separate waste collection, creating the necessary conditions for it, and about 90% of citizens are involved in this effort. Previously, the waste management system was stagnant, but it is now picking up steam. In 2012, about 10% of municipal waste was recycled, and in 2024, this figure increased nearly fourfold to 39.6%.”
Last year, approximately 840,000 tonnes of secondary raw materials were sent for recycling: waste paper, glass, plastic, tires, and non-functional household appliances and electronics. A modern infrastructure for waste processing is being built across the country. There are 10 waste sorting plants in Minsk, regional centers, and the cities of Baranovichi, Orsha, Bobruisk, and Novopolotsk. Additionally, there are 81 sorting lines in districts that apply manual sorting across several key fractions (paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal). The plants are largely automated and separate various types of secondary material resources in automatic or semi-automatic modes, Aleksei Filanovich said.
“Over recent years, we have built up the capacities for sorting municipal solid waste by consolidating districts into zones with regional waste sorting plants. Three such facilities are currently operational: the Brest service zone (including Brest and neighboring districts), the Baranovichi zone, and the Orsha zone. In 2025, regional facilities for the Bobruisk zone and Minsk (Minsk Waste Processing Plant) were commissioned. The construction of facilities in Novopolotsk, Gomel, and Volkovysk District are in the final stages. We are planning to increase separate waste collection to 100% by involving villages and private residential areas. Special attention will be given to the collection of hazardous waste such as batteries, mercury lamps, electronic equipment, and expired medications at their points of sale,” Aleksei Filanovich noted.
In January-September 2025, 691,000 tonnes of secondary material resources were collected and sent for recycling in Belarus, accounting for 71.3% of the annual plan. “The leaders in collection are the city of Minsk and Gomel Oblast. The latter posted the most significant growth in the procurement of secondary material resources over last year - approximately 25%. Grodno Oblast has met the annual target for all types of secondary resources by74%, which is highest result among regions,” he said.
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