A STEP CLOSER TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY – RESPONSIBLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BANJA LUKA SCHOOLS
The Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska has successfully implemented CircleAware project activities focused on waste separation in primary schools, within the project CircleAware: Driving Awareness and Accelerating the Circular Economy Transition, funded through the Interreg IPA CBC Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro programme.
As part of these activities, the procurement and distribution of waste separation bins (for glass, paper, and plastic) and composters have been completed, directly contributing to the broader goal of raising awareness about the circular economy by showcasing practical solutions, promoting behavior change, educating the public, and strengthening cooperation among project partners.
The joint effort of all partners in implementing this activity highlights the collaborative nature of promoting the circular economy and the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving sustainable outcomes. The presence of bins and composters encourages behavioral change among individuals and communities, motivating people to actively participate in waste sorting and to make conscious choices that support the circular economy by reducing landfill waste and enhancing recycling.
Three schools in Banja Luka have been equipped with three bins each (for glass, paper, and plastic) and one composter:
- Primary School “Branko Ćopić”
- Primary School “Branko Radičević”
- Primary School “Zmaj Jova Jovanović”
Through these activities, the Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska has once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening local community capacities for the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy, marking a significant step toward that goal.