On January 27, 2009 USAID Plastic Recycling Project hosted the USAID Eurasia BEO, Muhammed Latif

On January 27, 2009 USAID Plastic Recycling Project hosted the USAID Eurasia BEO, Muhammed Latif. The project staff organized a site-seeing tour for Mr.Latif giving him an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the recycling program in Macedonia. During a program that lasted several hours, Mr.Latif visited Recycling Yard –a facility managed by the PUC “Komunalna Higiena”, and met with the Mayor of Skopje Trifun Kostovski and the Director of the PUC “Komunalna Higiena”.

At the Recycling Yard, Mr.Latif learned about the capacities of this facility, new investments that PUC is planning in the future and challenges in maintaining this kind of protected area. In addition, he visited the section where plastic PET waste is selected by color, pressed and appropriately stored.

At the meting with the Mayor of Skopje, Mr. Trifun Kostovski, the USAID/ BEO shared his impressions about the successful implementation of the recycling program in the City of Skopje. Referring to the countries in the region, Mr. Latif emphasized that the recycling program he saw in Macedonia is a success story, and he praised the efforts that the Project’s partners made in order to establish a system for collection, selection, storage and recycling of plastic PET waste. The Roma were given special recognition for their engagement in collection of plastic waste contributing towards keeping the environment clean. As well, Mr.Latif supported and encouraged the project staff and all present in the Mayor’s office to continue the public awareness campaign that brought a new dimension to the project. He especially valued education classes delivered by the Project and PUC “Komunalna Higiena” targeting primary school students, highlighting that they will become educators of their community as well and contribute towards a change of behavior in their communities.

The program was concluded with visit to the “Greentech” recycling company, Project’s grantee. Through the tour of the company Mr.Latif learned of the company’s capacity and process of recycling the plastic waste. Mihail Matevski, owner of the “Greentech” spoke about progress and challenges that recycling industry is facing in light of the global  crisis.


NOTE TO EDITORS:
The American people, through USAID, have invested nearly $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov.