The project involves the construction of a modern mechanical and biological treatment plant equipped with the latest technology, including optical sensors and air separators, capable of recovering 50-70% of recyclable and 20-30% of biodegradable waste. Through this process, the total waste volume will be reduced by up to 50% and the biodegradable content will be less than 75% of the original level, fully complying with environmental standards.
These technologies will help to reduce waste disposal, reduce gas emissions into the atmosphere and prevent waste from entering surface water and soil. Thus, the environmental impact will be significantly reduced.
On April 29, the Moldovan government adopted a decree on the transfer of a 15-hectare land plot on Uzinelor Street from municipal to state ownership for the implementation of the project. Prior to that, in September 2024, the relevant decision was also approved by the Chisinau Municipal Council.
As Igor Ghirlea, acting head of Autosalubritate, said at that meeting, the land was selected jointly with the Environment Ministry, EBRD and EIB. The main selection criteria were proximity to the transshipment station to make costs more efficient and availability of necessary communications.
The construction of the Waste Recycling and Environmental Management Center for the RMD 4 region is part of a major national project aimed at gradually establishing an efficient waste collection, recycling and management system. RMD 4 includes the mun. Chisinau and the districts of Straseni, Ialoveni, Hincesti, Criuleni, Dubasari, Anenii Noi and Orhei.
However, the capital city mayor’s office specified that CRME will serve exclusively Chisinau and its suburbs. Municipal solid waste from the districts included in RMD 4 will not be treated here.
The project has already started the construction of a transshipment station, which will be connected to the CRME in the future. In addition, there will be no landfill at the Center. It will be constructed at another location selected by the Government and/or other central agencies.
According to the agreements concluded by the financing banks, once the Waste Recycling Center is built by the Government, it will be handed over to the Chisinau City Hall/MP Regia “Autosalubritate”.
The National Waste Management Strategy envisages regionalization of municipal waste management services. Currently, the regions are divided into 8 zones. Chisinau municipality is included in the waste management zone 4/6 (according to the EIB/Ramboll pre-feasibility study.
