CleanUp Montenegro 2024 gathered a record 725 volunteers from over 40 organizations and informal citizen groups. Between September 14 and 22, volunteers participated in 22 cleanup actions across the country. As a result, they collected five tons of waste and filled 625 bags. Afterward, a waste audit followed using the Break Free From Plastic methodology. During this process, volunteers analyzed 3,245 bottles and cans. In addition, results revealed that 58% of the collected bottles were plastic, 7% were glass, and 36% were cans. Furthermore, to sum up the audit identified the companies behind 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 Rosa.
During the presentation of the results, Vanja Cicmil, Executive Director of NGO Zero Waste Montenegro, highlighted that for eight years, the Clean Up Montenegro network has united individuals and organizations. Above all, their shared goal is to create a cleaner and healthier future for Montenegro. Most importantly, Cicmil emphasized that companies in Montenegro hold significant responsibility. However, they also have a valuable opportunity to demonstrate environmental and social responsibility 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. This is why the French Embassy and I personally are pleased to participate every year in the CleanUp Montenegro activity. We must continue taking steps forward together, involving all stakeholders from various sectors. Secondly, policy makers and representatives of the economic sector. 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 CleanUp Montenegro for the second year in a row. Therefore, ZWMNE’s initiative plays a key role in preserving nature and shared spaces. This year’s record-breaking results, they said, prove its growing impact. Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting actions like CleanUp Montenegro that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
We strive to act for a better future, society, and planet. In line with this commitment, as a result the bank has implemented ESG standards in 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.