Recycle is the last option when there is no other possibility – to turn waste into a new resource.
Recycling is a process where waste is processed and turned into new products. It is an important part of the circular economy and helps reduce the depletion of natural resources. Waste selection and its proper disposal is the first step to successful recycling.
For successful recycling, we first need to properly select waste – separating paper, plastic, glass and metal in appropriate containers. When buying products, we should choose those that are made of recycled materials.
| Examples of recycling in everyday life | Description | |
| 1 | Selecting waste at home | Separating paper, plastic, glass and metal for recycling |
| 2 | Using selective waste containers | Disposing waste in marked bins (blue, yellow, green, etc.) |
| 3 | Disposing electronic waste | Old phones, batteries, chargers – at specialized points |
| 4 | Returning bottles with a deposit | In stores or vending machines that return money for empty bottles |
| 5 | Recycling textiles | Disposing old clothes in containers for textile waste |
| 6 | Buying products from recycled materials | Toilet paper, notebooks or bags made from recycled raw materials |
These materials are collected and brought to recycling centers where they are processed. Socially responsible companies can contribute to the recycling process, but there are specialized companies for recycling certain types of waste – paper, bulk waste, glass…
| . | Examples of recycling in the business sector | Description |
| 1 | Recycling paper and cardboard | In offices – separation for recycling office waste |
| 2 | Industrial recycling | Companies that collect and process metal, plastic, glass |
| 3 | Recycling construction waste | Concrete, brick, iron – are processed and reused |
| 4 | Partnership with waste companies | Businesses that conclude contracts with companies for management of waste recycling |
| 5 | Recycling electronic equipment | Old computers, printers, cables are handed over to specialized companies |
| 6 | Using packaging made from recycled materials | Example: boxes, bags or bottles from recycled plastic/paper |
In North Macedonia there are recycling centers and companies that deal with collecting, selecting and processing different types of waste. However, this system has not yet been developed at the state level.
The challenges they face, aside from the fact that there is no central state waste recycling, also include recycling material ending up as waste due to unclean sorting, insufficient education and motivation among citizens, lack of rural infrastructure for sorting and recycling waste.
Recycling is an important part of the circular economy, but it’s best to combine it with the other R’s (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse), because only with a combined approach can we achieve significant waste reduction.
Translated by: N. Cvetkovska
This content is part of the GREEN Civil project “Give Me Five!”, within the framework of the Western Balkans Circular Economy Week (May 26- June 1, 2025) under the motto “From Local Fixes to Regional Impact”.
The initiative is implemented by the LogEx regional network, of which CIVIL is a member. The network was launched by the reputable think tank organization Balkan Forum from Kosovo, and with the support of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund from the United States.
