Ljubljana Charts Path Toward a Carbon-Less Circular Future

Ljubljana Urban Region Charts Path Toward a Carbon-Less Circular Future

Situational Analysis reveals promising practices, persistent challenges, and policy opportunities in waste management.

The Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) has completed a comprehensive Situational Analysis as part of the Interreg Europe project CLEAR CITIES, setting a strong foundation for transforming urban waste management practices toward a more circular, carbon-less future. Conducted by the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region (RRA LUR), the analysis highlights key insights, policy gaps, and practical innovations that will guide the region’s strategic development over the coming years.

LUR is characterized by a decentralized municipal waste management system, with each municipality being individually responsible for providing the communal services. Despite a commendable 75% rate of separate municipal waste collection, the region continues to face challenges, including rising waste generation per capita, inconsistent treatment infrastructure, and limited reuse and repair services.

The analysis is surfacing both hidden opportunities and entrenched inefficiencies. While the region boasts high public awareness and a strong policy base aligned with EU directives, the lack of systemic reuse initiatives and outdated regulatory mechanisms, such as underdeveloped Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, remain pressing concerns.

Drawing on municipal strategies, national waste policies, stakeholder consultations, and on-the-ground interviews, the analysis mapped a detailed SWOT of the region’s policy and operational landscape. Active engagement from key actors - the biggest utility company in the region JP VOKA SNAGA, social enterprises, SMEs, and local innovators - enriched the findings, particularly in showcasing a vibrant ecosystem of grassroots circular economy practices.

The public utility company VOKA SNAGA is at the forefront of the region’s shift toward sustainable waste management, operating a fleet of CNG-powered garbage trucks and the Regional Waste Management Centre (RCERO Ljubljana), which not only processes mixed municipal waste but also produces biogas, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also initiated and dedicatedly manages PAPLAB, crafting handmade paper from invasive plants. Their efforts are complemented by a vibrant local ecosystem of circular initiatives such as Smetumet’ innovative upcycled design products and awareness campaigns, and Janosik’s revival of vintage Yugoslav furniture into contemporary pieces. Such practices showcase the Ljubljana Urban Region’s growing dedication to building a circular, low-carbon future through practical, community-driven innovation.

While the current Regional Development Programme (2021–2027) provides a solid strategic foundation, the upcoming RDP (2028–2034) is poised to take a more ambitious leap by introducing targeted strategies for waste reduction, reuse, and promoting circular business models based on secondary raw materials (SRMs).

However, regulatory misalignments, particularly in pricing structures, EPR updates, and enforcement of illegal dumping, could hinder implementation unless addressed through legislative reform. The analysis recommends aligning billing systems with sustainability incentives and accelerating the modernization of EPR mechanisms to meet EU targets and market needs.

Findings from the analysis will be shared with the active stakeholders of the circular economy within the framework of the CLEAR CITIES policy learning activities and with all municipalities of LUR. This will influence both municipal planning and regional strategy. Already, they have inspired plans to expand reuse centers, incentivize repair networks, and develop circular business support tools.

Most critically, the analysis reaffirms the need for communication and citizen involvement. Waste prevention, reuse, and rational resource use must become societal priorities, not just administrative tasks. Direct community engagement, not just top-down education, is seen as essential for systemic change.

As the region prepares its next strategic steps, the Situational Analysis stands as both a mirror and a map: reflecting current limitations while pointing toward a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable waste management system. LUR’s journey illustrates how regions can evolve from managing waste to managing resources—and in doing so, become circular frontrunners in Europe’s carbon-neutral transition.