Українська
In just 30 months, the rural Montenegrin municipality of Gusinje transformed from having almost no waste separation system into a promising model of zero waste transition. What began with only 286 households participating in waste collection evolved into a community-wide movement supported by local authorities, citizens, and Zero Waste Europe. Through extensive public surveys, door-to-door outreach, and educational campaigns, Gusinje sparked a cultural shift—today, over 61% of waste is collected separately, and organic waste in the residual stream dropped from 21% to just 4%.
What truly set Gusinje apart was the strong involvement of the local community—from door-to-door education by local waste assistants to workshops in schools and public institutions. Citizens were not only informed but empowered to take action, with nearly 10% of the population directly involved in educational activities. The municipality prioritized practical tools like multilingual composting guides, reusable packaging initiatives, and incentives for low-waste behaviors. As a result, Gusinje is now advancing toward full zero waste certification, backed by long-term strategic plans and growing interest from other Montenegrin cities ready to follow its lead.