Conference on Environmental Science and Technology

The introduction of municipal solid waste (MSW) source separation is a key step toward achieving sustainable waste management and complying with European Union directives. Source separation improves the quality and quantity of recyclables, reduces landfill waste, and fosters environmental awareness. However, its implementation presents challenges in terms of financial, technical, and institutional planning, particularly in transition countries like Serbia. This paper develops a systematic model for calculating the required equipment - bins, containers, and collection vehicles for the introduction of waste source separation at municipal level across four waste management regions in Serbia. The proposed model is based on a 2-bin system, where dry co-mingled recyclables and residual waste are collected separately, with glass collected via bring points. The calculation methodology for bins/containers considers key parameters, including waste composition and generation rates, households’ type and size, bin/container capacity and waste density. In addition, the total number of required waste collection vehicles included parameters such as: vehicle capacity and efficiency, collection frequency, average time needed for transport and unloading of waste per one required "trucks cycle", average distance from settlements in municipality, etc. Developed calculation model and structured methodology supports decision-makers for estimating equipment needs and investment requirements in designing and introduction of a scalable, cost-efficient waste separation infrastructure.