Montenegro has adopted six new waste-management regulations covering batteries, end-of-life vehicles, packaging and single-use plastics, tyres, plastic fishing equipment and textile waste as the country advances alignment with EU environmental legislation.
New rules cover major waste streams
The regulations form part of Montenegro’s obligations under EU Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change and establish more structured frameworks for waste collection, treatment and recycling. The measures introduce requirements across several major categories of products and waste, including batteries, end-of-life vehicles, packaging, single-use plastics, tyres, plastic fishing equipment and textiles.
Manufacturers, importers, retailers and distributors placing regulated products on the Montenegrin market could face additional financial and operational requirements as the new framework is implemented. These obligations include reporting, collection, recovery and waste-management financing.
Extended producer responsibility expands
The regulations move Montenegro closer to the EU model of extended producer responsibility, under which companies assume increasing responsibility for products once they become waste. Packaging is expected to have broad relevance because the requirements can apply across manufacturers, importers and retailers placing packaged products on the domestic market.
Rules concerning batteries, tyres and end-of-life vehicles will affect automotive distributors, service companies and specialised waste operators. Textile requirements will create new obligations for clothing retailers and distributors, while measures concerning single-use plastics will affect procurement and packaging decisions in tourism, hospitality and retail.
Demand for waste-management services
The regulatory changes are also expected to expand activity for licensed waste collectors, recyclers, environmental consultants, data-management systems and compliance-service providers. Montenegro continues to face investment needs in waste collection and treatment infrastructure, requiring additional public and private capital alongside the regulatory measures. The new framework places greater emphasis on producer obligations, reporting requirements and waste-management financing as Montenegro continues aligning its environmental rules with the EU framework.
