The Environmental Protection Agency introduces new standards in its institution on the path to eliminating single-use plastics

by | Apr 7, 2025

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With the goal of becoming an example of responsible and sustainable operations, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken concrete steps toward the elimination and reduction of single-use plastic products. As an institution dedicated to the protection of nature and the advancement of environmental standards, the Agency recognized the need to introduce sustainable practices and made the decision to limit the procurement and use of single-use plastics in its operations.

Six key measures to reduce plastic

In line with this decision, the Agency has committed to implementing six measures that will contribute to a significant reduction in waste and the creation of a healthier work environment

    1. Replacing plastic and paper cups with glass ones

    In all sectors of the Agency, plastic and paper cups will be completely removed and replaced with glass cups, thereby eliminating a large portion of waste generated by the daily use of disposable products.

    2. Eliminating plastic bottles and switching to glass pitchers

    Water will no longer be served in plastic bottles. Instead, the Agency will use glass pitchers for meetings, offices, and events, reducing plastic use and promoting sustainability.

    3. Banning plastic stirrers, cutlery, coffee capsules, and straws

    Single-use plastic stirrers, forks, knives, spoons, and straws will no longer be used within the Agency’s premises. Instead, employees will use reusable alternatives. Coffee capsules will also be banned in order to reduce the amount of hard-to-recycle waste.

    4. Sustainable hygiene solutions – larger soap containers

    To further reduce plastic use, the Agency is introducing larger soap containers, which will allow for the refilling of smaller soap bottles. This step reduces plastic packaging waste and creates a more efficient system for using hygiene products.

    5. Installing bins for separate waste collection

    In all offices and meeting rooms, bins will be installed for the separate collection of paper and packaging, allowing employees to properly sort waste for recycling.

    6. Recycling Station at the Agency Entrance

    A larger recycling station will be installed at the entrance of the Agency, enabling the collection of paper, metal, glass, and plastic. This way, employees and visitors can contribute to environmental protection. The recycling station will be emptied by Deponija l.l.c, which will regularly collect the separated waste from the Agency and ensure the sustainability of the newly established system.
    These measures are not just steps to reduce waste – they represent a new standard for the operation of public institutions. The Agency for Environmental Protection hopes that its example will inspire other institutions to take similar actions and join the fight to create a more sustainable public sector.

    These activities are funded through the project “Elimination and Reduction of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in Public Institutions”, financed by the BeMed Foundation (Beyond Plastic Med), with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Tara Ocean Foundation, Surfrider Foundation Europe, Mava Foundation, and IUCN, and implemented by Zero Waste Montenegro in partnership with the Agency for Environmental Protection.