The municipality of Nikšić has announced plans to develop a regional waste management centre with an investment of €16.7 million, set to commence in early 2027. This initiative will transform part of the former Željezara steelworks complex into a significant environmental infrastructure project for Montenegro.
The location for the facility has been secured, and the state-owned power company EPCG will provide access to the former Livnica and Čeličana halls to the government for a period of 30 years without compensation. This agreement alleviates a critical constraint on site availability, facilitating preparations for construction and equipment procurement.
This waste management centre is a key component of Montenegro’s broader Waste Management Reform Project, which is supported by a €40 million loan from the World Bank, approved in 2026. The facility is projected to serve over 75,000 residents, offering modern solutions for waste sorting, recycling, composting, and treatment.
The new centre aims to replace an outdated waste disposal system and is designed to align municipal waste management practices with European Union standards, particularly as Montenegro progresses in negotiations under Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change.
Situated within the former steelworks area, this project also emphasizes brownfield redevelopment, contributing new environmental infrastructure to a site that has seen significant industrial restructuring. It is expected to create opportunities for contractors in various sectors, including civil works, mechanical and electrical equipment supply, waste treatment technology, logistics, environmental monitoring, and project supervision.
If successful in generating sufficient volumes of separated waste, the initiative could foster a broader market for recycling and secondary material businesses. This development reflects an ongoing transformation in Montenegro’s waste sector, driven by EU accession requirements that encourage municipalities to establish regional treatment facilities rather than relying solely on local disposal methods.
For Nikšić, this project represents a convergence of environmental compliance, industrial site redevelopment, and public investment. The economic impact will hinge on timely construction commencement and the swift enhancement of collection and separation systems to ensure efficient operation of the new facility.
