Georgia

Ecovision

On the left is Beka Chikhladze (responsible for reviewing and analyzing draft laws and conventions), Sergi Sopadze (the organization’s director and project coordinator), Nino Sulkhanishvili (responsible for information gathering and data analysis), Gia Sopadze (the scientific director), Oliko Otskheli (responsible for data collection, communications with stakeholders, and organizing meetings and public surveys), and Tamara Khatiashvili (administrator)

– Meet the Team –

Ecovision

The NGO Union for Sustainable Development “Ecovision” was founded in 2001 to advance the principles of sustainable development in Georgia. The organization’s primary focus is addressing issues related to domestic solid and chemical waste.

Contacts:

www.ecovision.ge
info@ecovision.ge

About the Project

In Georgia, the project “Addressing the Escalating Plastic Crisis in the Five Countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA)” commenced on May 10, 2024, when a contract was signed between “Ecovision” and the project coordinator, the international organization HEJSupport. The project aims to tackle plastic pollution in Georgia by contributing to reducing and preventing plastic waste generation, particularly single-use plastics. The project’s specific objectives are to raise awareness and empower key stakeholders and the Georgian public to develop, evaluate, and implement initiatives and programs that address the plastic crisis and promote a non-toxic circular economy in the country.

The project initially involved two experts: a scientific supervisor and a project coordinator. To achieve its objective, an action plan was developed.

Following a review of current national legislation governing the production, import, export, and use of single-use plastics, experts and other stakeholders were identified to contact for gathering data on the main issues related to plastic pollution.

To prepare an overview of the existing statistical data on the production, export, import, and use of single-use plastics by type and sector of application—including areas of application, types of polymers used, and available alternatives—data was collected from the Statistical Office, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Nature Protection and Agriculture, and commercial organizations involved in this field.

After collecting data on the use of plastic goods, meetings were conducted with residents of major cities in Georgia to gauge public opinion on ending the use of single-use plastics, as well as identifying which types of plastic are deemed essential and why. Based on the data gathered, recommendations were developed to reduce the production, export, import, and use of single-use plastics, considering the sectors of use and the availability of safer alternatives.



Video Gallery

Video materials of ground work in Georgia

Plastic waste processing plant in Georgia

Sorting and recycling plastic waste is crucial due to its long-lasting environmental impact, as even a single plastic bottle can harm soil and prevent plant growth for years. The plant in Georgia processes various plastics, including polyethylene and cellophane, and exports recycled materials to countries like China and Turkey. Waste is collected from across Georgia using hydraulic presses and electric cars. The recycling process involves sorting, grinding, cleaning, and drying the plastic, which is then bagged for further use. This factory, the first of its kind in Georgia and the Caucasus, can process up to 400 tons of plastic waste per month with two shifts.

The Rustavi landfill services the Rustavi and Gardabani areas

The Rustavi landfill, built to modern European standards, is the only one of its kind in Georgia, serving the Rustavi and Gardabani areas. Waste is weighed upon arrival and after unloading to track daily amounts. It is then conveyed to a drum for separation and manually sorted in a cabin. Non-recyclable waste is buried, while recyclable materials like polyethylene bottles, glass, car tires, cardboard, and aluminum cans are collected separately. The main challenge is the contamination of recyclable materials by organic waste, making them unsuitable for recycling. By keeping food waste separate, we can significantly reduce overall waste and improve recycling efforts.

Community Engagement in Telavi Municipality

On August 12, 2024, NGO Ecovision participated in the event dedicated to Youth Day in Telavi Municipality. The participants of the event were informed about the properties of plastic, and 20 respondents were interviewed on the use of disposable or single-use plastic. Among those interviewed were respondents who had almost given up using disposable plastic and advised others to use alternative options.


Photo Gallery

Public engagement in various communities in Georgia

A meeting in one of the settlements of Gardaban municipality, after a survey of the audience, gave information about the possible dangers of using single-use plastics
Meeting in one of the settlements of Kobulet municipality in Western Georgia after a survey of the audience. Information on the possible dangers of using single-use plastic was presented
Interview with Mr. Alverd Chaxeliani, Head of Waste and Chemicals Management Department, Ministry of Nature Protection and Agriculture. The topic of conversation is Extended Producer Responsibility and the technical regulation of single-use plastics

Presentation about the role of NGOs in addressing plastic related environmental problems, held in cooperation with governmental institutions in Tbilisi

Meeting with Irma Gurguliani, Deputy Head of Waste and Chemicals Management Department of the Ministry of Nature Protection and Agriculture, Basel Convention Coordination Center. The opportunities for Georgia to switch to alternative plastic both at the legislative level and at the consumer level were discused.

Meeting in Ecovision Tbilisi office with project stakeholders: NGO “Green Movement” Rusudan Simonidze, “Nature Research Center” Giorgi Abramia, “Ecospectr” Irakli Kaviladze and others. Issues related to municipal waste, waste separation, plastic waste reduction were discussed.

Meeting in villages of Adjaria with local population of Duisi Akhmet municipality, in Kazbeksom municipality. There was a discussion among the local population about what opportunities exist locally to use alternatives to plastic. It turned out that almost everyone uses ceramics or clay dishes, as they keep the right temperature longer, toys for children are made of wood, as they are cheaper than plastic toys, although plastic toys are still predominant.

Plastic waste recycling facility

A plastic waste recycling facility will soon be opened in Khon municipality in Western Georgia. Ecovision representatives visited the workshop. The plastic waste recycling line complies with the Euro standards.

Plastic products consumption in Georgia

Champions Academy Cafe at one of the gyms in Tbilisi uses paper packaging, except for cups for cold drinks.

Nabiji is the most inexpensive supermarket chain located throughout Georgia. All bags are plastic.

Europroduct is a premium supermarket chain located in major cities in Georgia. Offers specialty products, moderately high prices. All bags are plastic.

Entree is a café offering lunch, quick breakfast or a full dinner. The concept was developed by guest chefs; it has several branches in London. One of the most popular and visited places in Tbilisi. Plastic utensils, or plastic-coated utensils, including plastic food containers, are used.

Ska is a trendy bar with a variety of freshly prepared natural products; operates on the principle of grab & go. It has branches all over Tbilisi. Mostly all products are in plastic containers.

Carrefour is one of the leading hypermarket chains in Georgia, with stores of all formats: from hypermarkets to convenience stores. It offers all types of food products and has a “bio” category for most types of products. Uses plastic containers for its own takeaway products as well as plastic bags. Only plastic options are available in the category of party supplies and disposable cutlery.

Store for wooden products. Toys are mostly bought by parents for children.

Interview with a bartender: It turned out that all the equipment is made of imported plastic. When asked why reusable ceramic or iron products are not used, the main reason is the increased water tariff for commercial establishments. It is cheaper to buy disposable products.

Almost all restaurants do not use plastic utensils or other plastic products.

Traditional Georgian Christmas trees, called “Chichilaki,” are made from natural materials. The seller notes that purchases of “Chichilaki” have recently surged significantly, and they cost much less than disposable plastic Christmas trees.

Plastic Christmas trees saw a 50% drop in price before Christmas, indicating that these products are not selling well. Although plastic Christmas trees can be used for many years, they must be disposed of at the end of their life cycle like any other plastic. Without a proper plastic recycling system in Georgia, artificial Christmas trees are likely to end up in landfills.y must be disposed of at the end of their life cycle like any other plastic. Without a proper plastic recycling system in Georgia, artificial Christmas trees are likely to end up in landfills.