The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the new Waste Management Act (“Official Gazette of RS” No. 109/2025, “Law”), a comprehensive regulatory act that fundamentally reshapes the way businesses and public authorities plan, record, and manage waste.
Key changes for businesses and public institutions:
- Mandatory waste management planning for all waste producers
The Law introduces an obligation for all waste producers to proactively plan, record, and control the way they handle waste. However, it is important to note that the formal Waste Management Plan is not mandatory for every producer. It must be adopted only by primary waste producers that generate more than 100 tonnes of non-hazardous waste or 200 kilograms of hazardous waste annually, while all other entities remain subject to a general obligation of planning without preparing a formal plan.
- Strategic planning documents at the national and local levels
In parallel, the Law introduces a new system of strategic waste management documents adopted by state and local authorities – national, regional, and local waste management plans. These plans are valid for ten years, are reviewed every five years, and must be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency within 30 days from the date of adoption. This approach clearly distinguishes the obligations of businesses from the planning responsibilities of public authorities, while the formal Waste Management Plan remains required only for entities with the most significant environmental impact.
- Digitalisation of waste management
The Law introduces a mandatory digital document on the movement of non-hazardous waste, thereby reducing administrative burdens, ensuring transparency, and preventing data manipulation.
- Inspections no longer need to be announced
To prevent unlawful conduct, concealment of evidence, or adjustments of on-site conditions, the Act authorises inspections to be carried out without prior notice. This significantly strengthens regulatory oversight across all stakeholders, from waste producers to operators of waste treatment facilities.
- Strong waste prevention measures, especially for food waste
For the first time, the Law introduces an extensive framework for waste prevention, particularly with regard to food waste, and promotes production and consumption patterns aligned with sustainability principles. The measures encourage reuse, extending product life cycles, repairs, availability of spare parts, and the donation of food.
- Alignment with European Union standards
The Lae is aligned with EU standards, especially with rules restricting hazardous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment, as well as EU policies on recycling and the development of a circular economy. The Law also enables the import of non-hazardous waste for use as an energy source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting compliance with the European Union’s carbon-reduction mechanisms.
- The new legal framework introduces a systemic shift in waste management, placing emphasis on prevention, reuse, recycling, and energy recovery.
- It enhances producer responsibility, reduces administrative burdens, and raises the level of transparency.
- Although these changes will require businesses to adapt, the long-term benefits include more stable market conditions, lower operational costs, more efficient use of resources, and stronger environmental protection.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.