A new law “On Integrated Waste Management” drawn up by the government with the argument that we will adapt to the rules of the European Union, has returned the debate to environmental issues.

The initiative launched in public consultation also contains a special article for the import of waste. It allows the bringing to Albania of waste from abroad, for a certain category that the government will determine later.

Although the article specifies that in the territory of the Republic of Albania, the import and transit of hazardous waste is prohibited, the government is given a free hand for some others.

How is waste imported?

In the territory of the Republic of Albania, only certain categories of non-hazardous waste are allowed to be imported, after the approval of the request for import by Decision of the Council of Ministers.

The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister, approves the list of non-hazardous waste that is allowed to be imported into the Republic of Albania, as well as the rules for the implementation of this article.

The new law on waste management comes at a time when the incineration formula, chosen by the left-wing government, has been involved in a corruption scandal, while in recent days a ship with several tons of hazardous waste headed from Albania to Thailand is returning back after leaving their management puzzle.

The import of waste in itself is an issue that has opened debate, every time the government, left or right have opened it. Such initiatives have started since the government of Fatos Nano, Sali Berisha and then that of Edi Rama. The last test was in 2016, where a law allowing the import was approved by the government of the time and later returned by President Bujar Nishani. At that time, Ilir Meta, in coalition with Edi Rama, did not vote to re-vote the initiative.