Clean Up Montenegro 2024 gathered a record 725 volunteers from over 40 organizations and informal citizen groups. From September 14 to 22, in 22 cleanup actions across Montenegro, five tons of waste were collected, filling 625 bags. After the cleanup activities, a so-called waste audit was conducted using the Break Free From Plastic methodology. A total of 3,245 bottles and cans were analyzed. The results showed that 58% of the collected bottles were plastic, 7% were glass, and 36% of the packaging consisted of cans. Finally, data was gathered on the companies responsible for the packaging. Among the items, 727 bore the label of The Coca-Cola Company, 600 belonged to Knjaz Miloš, 295 to Pivara Nikšić, 258 to the Carlsberg Group, and 199 to the company Rosa.
On the occasion of presenting the results, Vanja Cicmil, Executive Director of the NGO Zero Waste Montenegro, reminded that the CleanUp Montenegro network has been bringing together individuals and organizations for eight years to collectively shape a cleaner and healthier future for Montenegro. Cicmil emphasized that companies in Montenegro bear significant responsibility, but also have the opportunity to be environmentally and socially responsible by supporting initiatives like this one.
Every contribution—every hour of volunteering, every piece of litter picked up—makes a difference. I am truly proud of the selfless efforts and grateful for the energy our members and volunteers bring to every event. Only through the collaboration of all—institutions, citizens, civil society, and responsible companies—can we achieve lasting and meaningful changes. Changes that we will all feel and be proud of.
The French Ambassador to Montenegro, Anne-Marie Maskes, who personally participated in the waste cleanup action along the Morača River in the capital city, stated that they are proud to have strengthened their cooperation with ZWMNE this year.
Individual responsibility is a key element, which is why the French Embassy and I personally are pleased to participate every year in the Clean Up Montenegro activity. It is essential that we continue taking steps forward together, involving all stakeholders from various sectors—policy makers, representatives of the economic sector, and others—to make a real difference. We need everyone facing these shared challenges to work together in protecting our common environment for future generations.
Representatives from Erste Bank, a sponsor of Clean Up Montenegro for the second consecutive year, stated that ZWMNE’s initiative is an important step in preserving nature and shared spaces, as evidenced by the record-breaking results of this year’s campaign. They affirmed their commitment to continue supporting actions like Clean Up Montenegro that contribute to a better and healthier future.
We strive to act for a better future, society, and planet. In line with this commitment, the bank has implemented ESG standards into its operations and will continue to work diligently in this area. We are proud to have collaborated with partners and supported by EU funds to provide ESG consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them chart their path toward green transformation.