Responsible Waste Management
Ljubljana has every reason to stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s most progressive cities when it comes to waste management. As early as 2014, we became the first European capital to join the Zero Waste Europe network—clearly signaling that we’re aiming for more than just tidy bins. We’re after a future with less waste—or, dare we say, none at all.
In partnership with the public utility company VOKA SNAGA, which oversees waste management in the capital, we’re working to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills or incinerators. Our long-term goal? To achieve “zero waste”—or at least get as close as possible by minimising residual waste that can’t be reused, processed, or recycled.
Where Should Waste Go? Ljubljana Knows!
According to VOKA SNAGA, in 2023 Ljubljana reached a separate waste collection rate of an impressive 69.9%—a figure that places us among Europe’s top performers. But resting on our (compostable) laurels isn't our style. That’s why we've set our sights even higher: by 2025, we aim to surpass a 75% separation rate.
RCERO Ljubljana – the Beating Heart of Slovenia’s Waste Management
Exemplary waste management requires state-of-the-art infrastructure—and that’s where RCERO Ljubljana comes in. The Regional Waste Management Centre is the largest environmental project in Slovenia, serving the waste needs of a third of the country’s population.
At its core are three mechanical-biological treatment facilities, where waste is not only sorted and processed, but also tapped for its energy potential. Biogas is used to generate electricity, while greenhouse gas emissions—especially methane, a serious climate culprit—are significantly reduced. Every year, RCERO processes over 20,000 tonnes of organic waste, turning it into high-quality compost suitable for home gardens or agricultural use.
Even Tourism Can Learn to Waste Less
On a global scale, waste accounts for around 3–5% of greenhouse gas emissions—and the tourism industry certainly contributes its share. That’s why in 2023, Ljubljana launched a project to introduce zero waste practices into the hotel sector.
Starting with six participating hotels, the project includes:
- regular waste weighing (twice a year, over three-day periods),
- staff training,
- and promoting increased waste separation.
Our goal? Hotels that not only pamper their guests but also treat resources with care. And we don’t plan to stop at just six—this initiative is expanding to other tourism partners, because we believe every stakeholder has a vital role to play in building a more sustainable future.