Moldova Tightens Environmental Rules: Half of Waste to be Recycled by 2030, Plastic Use Cut by 20% by 2031

The draft of the new version of the Waste Management Act, prepared by Moldova’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, sets ambitious environmental goals for the coming decades. The comprehensive reform aims to drastically increase municipal and construction waste recycling rates, progressively limit the supply of plastic products on the market, and curb food waste. The new framework introduces strict obligations for manufacturers, large food retailers, and waste management operators alike.

Recycling Targets: Aiming for a 65% Rate by 2045

Moldova has outlined a large-scale plan for municipal waste management.

• Under the draft law, at least 50% of municipal waste must be recycled by the year 2030.

• This quota will gradually increase in the following years: reaching 55% by 2035, 60% by 2040, and 65% by 2045.

• A separate, specific target has been established for construction waste: at least 70% reuse is mandated by 2035.

To achieve these milestones, the government plans to expand the separate waste collection network and develop essential sorting and recycling infrastructure. Mandatory separate collection will be established for paper, plastic, glass, metal, textiles, and bio-waste.

Strict Measures to Reduce Food Waste

For the first time, the draft law introduces concrete targets for the reduction of food waste in Moldova.

• By the end of 2030, food waste generated during the production and processing stages must be reduced by at least 10%.

• In the retail, food service, and household sectors, a 30% per capita reduction is required compared to the average levels recorded in 2025–2026.

The regulation also stipulates that large food retailers must enter into agreements with charitable organizations to donate unsold food that remains safe for human consumption. Data regarding these donations must be submitted to the Environmental Agency on an annual basis.

Phasing Out Plastics: A 5% Annual Reduction

In the fight against plastic pollution, the draft law mandates that starting in 2027, plastic manufacturers will be required to gradually reduce the supply they place on the market. The supply must decrease by 5% annually according to the following schedule:

• 2028: 5% reduction.

• 2029: 10% reduction.

• 2030: 15% reduction.

• 2031: 20% reduction.

Furthermore, starting in 2028, product packaging—or the product itself—must display clear and indelible information indicating the presence of plastic in its composition, alongside proper waste management methods. Manufacturers will also be required to actively promote reusable alternatives and educate consumers on the harm caused by plastic pollution and the consequences of waste accumulation in the environment and sewer systems.

New Regulations for PET Bottles and Waste Operators

Additional requirements specifically targeting PET packaging will also take effect in 2028.

• All plastic lids and caps on single-use bottles with a capacity of up to three liters must remain permanently attached to the packaging during use.

• Manufacturers will be required to submit annual reports detailing the proportion of recycled materials present in their products.

• According to the draft, PET packaging must contain a minimum of 25% recycled plastic starting in 2028, increasing to at least 30% by 2030.

The operations of waste management companies are also facing stricter oversight. Only licensed operators will be permitted to collect and temporarily store waste at specifically equipped sites. The maximum storage period prior to recycling will be capped at 48 hours for most waste types, and strictly limited to 24 hours for medical and biological waste. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for hazardous waste transportation and the establishment of collection points, while tightening the rules governing landfill operations.

References:

• [1] Logos Press: By 2030, Moldova plans to recycle half of its waste

• [2] Logos Press: By 2031, Moldova will reduce its plastic use by 20%

• State reference point: Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova (Ministerul Mediului)