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 five countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia” 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.
Gia Sopadze, the scientific director of Ecovision, highlights the project’s significance for Georgia.
The project undertaken by Ecovisen in Georgia plays a crucial role in meeting the obligations of the Basel Convention, of which our country has been a party since 1999. The objectives of our project align with those of the Convention, specifically emphasizing the mobilization of civil society, governments, and stakeholders to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable plastic-free alternatives. Our organization, in collaboration with the international group Health and Environment Justice Support, along with organizations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, has crafted recommendations for stakeholders at both the national and regional levels in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Inventory of major sources of plastic pollution in Georgia
Review prepared by Ecovision
Key recommendations for sustainable
plastic management in Georgia
Recommendations prepared by Ecovision
Analysis of Georgian Legislation on Plastics Production and Waste Management
Review prepared by Ecovision
Engagement
Coming soon!
Video Gallery
Video materials of ground work in Georgia
Plastic waste processing plant in Georgia
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.
Sfarklo, Georgia is the first company in the country to install a bottle collection machine. Sfarklo Georgia entered the market eight months ago, and its main goal is to care for the environment while introducing social responsibility in society.
As part of the project “Addressing the escalating plastic crisis in five countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia,” we interviewed Nini Adamashvili, Marketing Manager of Sfarklo Georgia, to discuss the collection and recycling of single-use plastic bottles.
– What type of plastic do you work with?
We currently accept plastic bottles and tin cans, but we plan to accept glass bottles in the future.
– How is the waste collection and recycling process carried out?
Machines collect bottles and cans, which are then sent to a recycling plant. There, plastic and aluminum pellets are produced and exported for the manufacturing of goods.
– What challenges do you face in your daily work?
The biggest challenge is the negligence of the business sector, as legislation does not require companies to participate in the process. Very few companies take the initiative.
– How much waste do you recycle every month?
Since arriving in Georgia, we have received approximately 800,000 bottles and cans, averaging 100,000 bottles per month. With active marketing campaigns, this figure is expected to increase significantly.
– How do you evaluate the public’s readiness?
The public is already aware of the harmful effects of plastic, but a push is needed to engage them actively in the waste collection process. For instance, people expect a reward for every delivered bottle – money. Since Georgia has not implemented a law on the deposit system, we have introduced a points system – wherein our clients receive offers from partner companies in exchange for their accumulated points.
– Does Sfarklo Georgia conduct educational and awareness campaigns?
Yes, we are actively working in this direction. We have already visited several schools and other organizations that have also expressed interest in participating in our initiative to instill a sense of respect for the environment in children.
Tene recyciong facility is the first manufacturer of USB cables made from recycled plastic in Georgia.
During the interview, Tene’s marketing manager tells us about the company and explain the process of collecting and recycling plastic waste.
Hi Bekah, can you tell us what your company’ s main mission and purpose are?
Tene’s mission is, first and foremost, to produce USB cables made from recycled plastic. Additionally, we strive to raise awareness among citizens and businesses about the importance of protecting the environment from plastic waste, encouraging people to participate in sorting it and prompting companies to recycle it.
– What types of plastic waste do you work with?
We handle various types of waste, but we only utilize PET plastic, like bottle caps, in the production of USB cables.
– How much plastic waste do you recycle per year?
In 2024, we collected up to 100 tons of plastic waste from around 300 partner companies.
– What is the process of waste collection, recycling, and disposal?
In the first stage, the waste is collected and sorted. In the final stage, the necessary waste is retained for the production of USB cables, while the remainder is sent to other companies for recycling.
– How do you collaborate with local government, businesses, and the community?
We successfully collaborate with businesses, and we currently have over 300 partner organizations. The public is also being informed about the harm caused by plastic and the importance of participating in waste segregation. We have made progress working with the government on these issues and hope that our cooperation will become even more fruitful in the future.
– Do you conduct education and awareness campaigns?
Yes, we are actively running public awareness campaigns, collaborating with organizations and educational institutions, delivering presentations and workshops, and working to engage people of all ages.
– What do you think is the most effective way to deal with plastic waste?
The most effective way to solve the problem of plastic waste is through the joint participation of society, businesses, and government institutions. Only together can we achieve a solution to this complex issue.
Photo Gallery
Public engagement in various communities in Georgia
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.