Launch of the "Waste-Free Region" web platform – a new digital tool for data management, transparency, coordination, and practical waste management solutions

As part of the Regional Waste Management Forum held yesterday, April 29, in Skopje, the new web platform "Waste-Free Region" https://regionalenotpad-pjz.mk/ was promoted. It serves as a centralized digital tool to support waste management in the Pelagonia and South-west regions.

The platform unites all 18 municipalities and provides access to relevant information, data, and resources related to waste management. Its goal is to strengthen coordination and the exchange of information and good practices among the municipalities of both regions, increase transparency, and enable better planning and data-driven decision-making. The web platform will also host all information related to the work of the Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board for the Pelagonia and South-west regions, as well as various data on waste and services offered by public utility companies. It also lays the foundation for the future operation of the regional public utility company, enabling better connectivity between institutions and stakeholders.

In addition to its coordinating and informational role, the platform offers access to practical tools developed within the framework of the project "Sustainable Waste Management at the Local Level" https://regionalenotpad-pjz.mk/resources. Of particular significance is the Methodology for dumpsites clean-up and prevention in North Macedonia, which offers a systemic approach combining mapping and assessment, root-cause analysis, community engagement, infrastructure improvement, and continuous monitoring. This methodology enables a long-term solution to the problem and prevents the re-emergence of dumpsites; it has already been successfully applied in Kicevo, with the intention of expanding its scope to the remaining municipalities in the Pelagonia and South-west regions.

Additionally, Landfill fire protection manual addresses one of the most serious risks in the sector. Given the frequent fires (1,500 detected fires in 2023 alone) and their impact on health and the environment, the manual offers concrete measures for prevention, early detection, and better institutional preparedness in the event of landfill fires. This manual provides a practical framework for improving safety during the period while modern regional waste management solutions are being established.

In addition to these resources, the platform includes a Gender mainstreaming methodology in waste management and Situational analysis of Inter-Municipal Cooperation in Regional Waste Management, thereby providing comprehensive practical support for municipalities and public utility companies in planning and implementing sustainable solutions.

With the introduction of the platform, a foundation is laid for a more efficient, coordinated, and transparent functioning of the regional waste management system.