The project to build a recycling center and transshipment station in Široki Brijeg will soon enter its second phase, and the ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in landfills, that is, to recycle as much municipal waste as possible and thus create new value.
This center is being built on the site of the Trn industrial zone on a plot of approximately 5,000 square meters, and the total value of the project is 1,166,313 marks, said Zoran Slišković, director of the Public Utility Company (JKP) “Čistoća”, in an interview with Fena news agency.
“In 2018, investment and technical documentation for the construction of a recycling center with a transfer station in Široki Brijeg was prepared, and the costs were financed by the FBiH Environmental Protection Fund and the City of Široki Brijeg. After the building permit was issued in 2020, the first phase of the works began, which includes preparatory earthwork, concrete, reinforced concrete and locksmith work, installation of a metal-panel fence, installation of lighting, planting greenery in the fence wall, water connection and putting it into operation. system for watering greenery. The total costs of the first phase amounted to 147,420 marks, of which the Fund co-financed 76,250 marks, and the rest by the City of Široki Brijeg,” said Slišković.
In the second phase, for which the FBiH Environmental Protection Fund approved funds in the amount of 200,000 marks, the construction of the main facility of the recycling center is planned.
“Next comes the signing of the contract with the Fund, followed by a tender for the contractor and supervision. The deadline for all activities after signing the contract is 12 months. It is about the construction of a hall of 383 square meters, it is the main hall for receiving trucks with already selected waste, which goes to the belt, is baled and as such has its own market value. The value of the works of the second phase is 377,146 marks, of which the Fund co-finances 200,000 marks, and the rest from the City,” said Slišković.
Before the recycling center starts working, it will be necessary to implement the third phase, which includes equipping the center with a transfer station, setting up equipment, tapes, containers for selected waste, building canopies and rooms for employees/administrative space.
“It is difficult to predict when the center should be put into operation. If everything goes well and we finish the second phase in the next 12 months, if we would have the support of the Fund and other higher levels, county, federal, and even EU funds for equipping the center, then it is possible for the center to start operating in 2026,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that the importance of this center will be great for Široki Brijeg and its residents.
“The center has multiple benefits primarily for the city. The primary meaning is the harmonization of waste management methods in Široki Brijeg locality in accordance with the environmental protection strategy of the FBiH and the waste management plan in the Federation. The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of municipal waste that ends up at the landfill, recycle as much municipal waste as possible, and thus create new value, and ultimately reduce the financial costs of the City and PUK Čistoća,” said Slišković.
As for the residents of Široki Brijeg, the director of PUK Čistoće emphasizes that the implementation of this project should bring savings, and not an increase in the price of services.
“With this project, we could create the foundations for a serious start of recycling in Široki Brijeg, even though we have taken small steps so far. Namely, we distributed 330 composters for biodegradable waste to our users who have gardens. We also have two green islands where containers for textiles and e-waste (electronic and electronic) are placed, which our citizens are “filling well” for now,” said Slišković.
Photo: Archive
