Steel Impex returns all the waste that it collects as a raw material, following treatment, thus encouraging a circular economy. According to representatives of this company, the waste management sector’s most complex problem is the lack of primary selection in households and the inadequate management of municipal waste
We recognised the importance of investing in renewable energy sources. The investment and installing of 550kW represents a continuation of our commitment to protecting the environment, while at the same time demonstrating innovation in the Republic of Serbia’s recycling sector – notes Steel Impex General Manager Maja Živković.
How does one establish a good recycling system?
Establishing a good recycling system begins with the raising of awareness about the importance of recycling, with participants including households, producers, companies, recycling operators, and final care operators.
In more recent times, the waste management systems of more serious companies have even transitioned to the next stage, i.e., the adopting of a so-called “zero waste” strategy, which should ensure the reuse of all waste. It is essential for every individual to strive on their own, and we hope that, in the near future, regional landfills will be the ones that prevent unnecessary dumping at landfill sites, that they will redirect waste to operators that carry out treatment works and return waste to the market in the form of a raw material.
How realistic and achievable is the Republic of Serbia’s goal of reducing gas emissions by 33.3% by 2030?
Steel Impex strives, together with its suppliers and business partners, to contribute as much as possible to achieving the goals of the Republic of Serbia. However, in order for us all to help in that, it is essential to educate all citizens, from the oldest to the youngest. It is necessary to change habits, which includes promoting the use of public transport, alternative forms of transport, the rational use of electricity and water, the inclusion of household in primary selection and increasing the number of citizens who understand why recycling is mandatory. Serbia generates up to 1.7 tons of waste per capita annually. And officially only 2-3% of that is recycled.
Businesses operating in Serbia express interest in the process of transitioning to renewable energy sources, both for their own needs and, at the same time, for selling electricity and connecting to the energy grid
Given the fact that Europe is facing one of the worst energy crises ever, will we see an increase in interest in renewables?
The global energy crisis has impacted both the European and Serbian markets. Energy prices reached a record level last autumn, and the fluctuations also impacted on renewable energy sources. Objectively speaking, no culprit can be singled out as being to blame for the situation, and I consider the biggest problem as being the imbalance in global supply and demand, which emerged, among other things, as a result of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the recommissioning of thermal power plants is currently being considered in Europe, which would actually increase CO2 emissions, while the reducing of emissions and protecting of the environment is being promoted on the other side.
Over the course of recent years, businesses operating in the Republic of Serbia have expressed interest in the process of transitioning to renewable energy sources, both for their own needs and, at the same time, for selling electricity and connecting to the energy grid. I expect this to be even more pronounced in the future. Steel Impex is a company that has recognised the importance of investing in renewable energy sources, and our investment and installing of 550kW actually represents a continuation of our commitment to protecting the environment, while at the same time demonstrating innovation in the Republic of Serbia’s recycling sector.