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Regulatory Changes and Sustainability Implications of the New Waste Management Law in Serbia
Perović, Marija
Todorović, Marija
Mitrović, Tatjana
Although waste generation has long been associated with human activities and economic development, its effective management remains a persistent environmental challenge, particularly in less developed countries where waste management is often insufficiently developed and infrastructure is limited. Inefficient waste management leads to significant environmental impacts, including soil, water and air contamination, resulting in associated risks to human health. In recent years, Serbia has undertaken significant regulatory reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of its waste management system. The amendments to the Law on Waste Management introduce several important changes related to waste prevention, improved classification of waste streams, clearer responsibilities of waste management actors, and increased alignment with European Union environmental legislation. This paper analyzes the key regulatory changes introduced by the amended waste management legislation in Serbia through a regulatory and policy analysis and discusses their implications for environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Particular attention is given to new definitions, obligations for waste producers, digitalization of waste tracking, and improved regulatory control mechanisms. The results indicate that the new legislative framework strengthens the principles of circular economy and promotes more efficient waste prevention, recycling, and resource recovery. At the same time, the implementation of these changes requires improved institutional capacity and stronger cooperation between regulatory authorities, industry, and local governments.
engleski
2026
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Waste Management; Environmental Legislation; Circular Economy; Recycling; Environmental Policy