Zero-bio-waste at schools: introducing the benchmark for biowaste audit in Transnistria and its pilot in Tiraspol

Moldova is facing significant challenges in waste management, particularly in handling biowaste, which constitutes nearly 50% of the country’s municipal waste. The current municipal systems are outdated and lack the infrastructure necessary for effective waste separation and processing. Financial constraints further hinder modernization, leaving schools and other institutions ill-equipped to address the issue. Schools, as key contributors to biowaste, reflect these systemic gaps. Without mechanisms to separate or compost organic waste, it is sent to landfills, where it generates methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating environmental degradation. This situation also leads to missed opportunities for creating compost, which could improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and support local agriculture. The project, implemented by Kokoza and in collaboration with AO Vitality, aims to address these systemic issues through a comprehensive biowaste audit and management initiative targeting 20 schools in Transnistria. By focusing on schools, the project not only tackles waste management but also engages students, teachers, and staff, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

The initiative includes biowaste audits to measure and categorize waste, the implementation of durable and cost-effective composting systems, and educational workshops tailored to the local context. The project will adapt a proven Czech model to Moldova’s realities, ensuring solutions are relevant and replicable. Kokoza will provide expertise in waste management and composting techniques, while AO Vitality will ensure that the approach is aligned with local needs and regulations. This collaboration will help introduce biowaste audits to Moldova, providing detailed insights into the waste composition and volume in schools. The project also plans to develop a policy paper with actionable recommendations for scaling the approach across Moldova, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.