As Montenegro moves closer to European environmental standards, Deponija Podgorica is proving that waste can be more than a challenge—it can become a source of materials, energy and long-term economic value.
Most people never think about where their waste ends up. Aleksandar Božović thinks about what it could become. Winner of the Association of Managers of Montenegro’s prestigious “Manager of the Year” award in the category of state-owned enterprises, Božović is leading the transformation of Deponija d.o.o. Podgorica into one of Montenegro’s most important environmental systems. Serving 10 municipalities and more than half of the country’s population, the company has evolved into a modern waste management centre built on the principles of circular economy and sustainable development.
Under your leadership, Deponija has evolved into one of Montenegro’s most important environmental systems, a transformation recently recognised with the Manager of the Year award from the Association of Managers of Montenegro. What is your vision of modern waste management, and how are you aligning it with the European standards Montenegro is striving to achieve?
My vision of modern waste management is based on an efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced system that views waste as a resource rather than a problem. The key lies in applying modern technologies, increasing recycling and using resources responsibly while aligning with European standards. EU standards provide a clear roadmap towards greater environmental awareness and responsibility towards society. That is why it is important to build a system that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. I see the “Manager of the Year” award as recognition of the collective efforts and achievements of our entire team, which has contributed to the development and modernisation of waste management in Montenegro.
Waste management is one of the key criteria on the road to EU membership. Which projects or innovations would you highlight as proof that Montenegro is already building infrastructure in line with leading European practices?
Over the past period, Deponija has implemented a number of strategic projects aimed at improving waste management. Among them is the acquisition of a tyre shredder, which has enabled the first systematic solution for tyre disposal in Montenegro. We have also completed studies for future facilities involving biogas energy production, construction waste treatment, waste-to-energy concepts and the automation of our recycling centre. These projects represent important steps towards modern technologies, higher recycling rates and energy recovery in line with European practices.
Deponija is establishing an increasing number of international partnerships, from cooperation with Germany to participation in the Japan–Montenegro Business Forum. How do these collaborations strengthen Montenegro’s environmental profile and open the door to new investments?
Participation in international forums, such as the Japan–Montenegro Business Forum, confirms that the municipal sector has significant investment potential. Through partnerships and the promotion of our projects, Deponija is strengthening its role in circular economy and energy-related initiatives, contributing to Montenegro’s environmental reputation while creating opportunities for new investments.
Your company also plays an important role in educating citizens and raising environmental awareness. What do you consider your greatest achievement in this area, and how does it contribute to Montenegro’s image as a country committed to a greener future?
Educating citizens, particularly young people, is one of the key pillars of our work. Through site visits, workshops and cooperation with educational institutions, we introduce children and students to the importance of waste separation and recycling. The most important result is the gradual change in habits and attitudes, which strengthens environmental culture in the long term and contributes to Montenegro’s image as a country committed to a sustainable future.
Montenegro is increasingly recognised as a country moving steadily towards Europe. What role do you see for Deponija in that process, and what message would you send to European partners about Montenegro’s potential in sustainable development?
Sustainable development requires economic diversification, and alongside tourism and energy, circular economy should become an important pillar of growth. It transforms waste from a problem into a resource and a development opportunity.
Through an integrated system, it is possible to clean the environment, generate energy and return valuable materials to productive use. The goal is not simply profit, but the creation of a long-term sustainable system that delivers value for future generations.
