July 05, 2023, Gračanica/Graçanicë – Today, USAID Recycling Matters Activity delivered tools and workwear to Informal Waste Collectors (IWC-s) from Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Gračanica/Graçanicë. The tools and workwear will help improve the working conditions and increase the safety and well-being of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, who repeatedly face challenges with collecting, sorting, processing, and selling recyclable materials.

In collaboration with the municipality of Gračanica/Graçanicë, the Activity is working with the citizens to educate them on waste separation. To date, 150 households in a pilot neighborhood of Lapje Selo/Llapnasellë, have received recyclable bins and started separating glass, metal, paper, and plastic that would otherwise enter the landfills. Currently, the IWCs are collecting separated recyclable materials, and a considerable amount will enter the circular economy through the private sector. Waste separation and management allow the reuse of materials, making it a critical component to successful recycling management, which leads to socio-economic opportunities for the community.

USAID Acting Mission Director Kerry Monaghan Hogler, Gazmend Salijević – Advisor to the Mayor of Gračanica/Graçanicë for community issues, Igor Aritonović – Director of Administration Department in the municipality of Gračanica/Graçanicë and Roberta Osmani, Program Director for the activity were on-site during the distribution.

Recycling Matters Activity in Gračanica/Graçanicë a partnership between USAID and Democracy Plus, works to increase the socio-economic cohesion among most Roma, Egyptian and Ashkali communities, the private sector, youth, and the municipality of Gračanica/Graçanicë, by facilitating sustainable recycling models in cooperation with all the target groups.

Democracy Plus implements the Activity in partnership with Communication for Social Development – CSD and Roma Versitas Kosovo.