Albania businesses test new ways to cut waste

Albanian businesses are testing new ways to cut waste and create green jobs.

One project in Divjakë is turning farm waste into compost for farmers.

The project is backed by the European Union and run by GIZ.

It aims to reduce biodegradable waste, which makes up more than half of Albania’s urban waste but often still ends up in landfills or illegal dumps.

Another business is helping customers reuse cosmetic packaging through refill and cleaning stations.

The company uses plants collected in Albania, including sage, lavender, rosemary and chamomile.

By May 2026, the refill scheme had kept more than 6,600 plastic bottles out of waste.