Waste Connects

June 2021 – December 2021

The mission of our project was to enhance the quality of life for individuals impacted by conflict and women and girls residing in border communities. Implemented by ISSD NGO and co-financed by the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland through Solidarity Fund PL, our initiative addressed the pressing issues caused by the absence of solid waste management regulations in the Republic of Armenia.

#wastemanagement
#recycling

The problem

Armenia faces significant challenges due to the lack of waste management laws. This results in widespread dumping of waste near residential areas, causing environmental and health problems. Additionally, high unemployment, especially among vulnerable groups like women and displaced individuals, worsens these issues. Our project was designed to address these challenges by implementing better waste management practices and creating job opportunities in waste management, and aimed to not only improve the environment and public health but also provide economic opportunities for marginalized communities, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.

Outcomes

  • Composting spots in 11 educational institutions were created
  • Special training program conducted for 500+ students in selected institutions
  • 12 in-house composting bins were installed in the local organizations (offices) and households
  • 20 composting bins have been installed in Armavir (through additional funding provided by Polish Aid)
  • Over 20 tones of organic waste didn’t end up in the landfill
  • Over 50 communication materials (videos, social media posts, educational materials, etc.) were developed and disseminated
  • Over 20 online and offline capacity development trainings and events were organized for partner institutions (including Armenian National Agrarian University)
  • Over 53,400 people were reached through offline and online campaigns
  • Increased responsibility among individuals who completed educational training courses
  • Reduction in methane gas emissions and spontaneous fires in
  • landfills due to decreased organic waste disposal.
  • Decreased presence of toxic elements in water and soil resulting from reduced use of chemical fertilizers.

Results

  • Establishment of a fully equipped working station in a frontier community
  • Support for vulnerable groups through sustainable employment and the creation of safe spaces
  • Empowerment of skilled stakeholders capable of crafting new items from recycled waste or reused materials
  • Production of new products such as bags, décor, jewelry, accessories, etc., from reused and recycled materials
  • Creation of a sustainable source of income for the stakeholders
  • Organization of clean-up activities in stakeholder communities
  • Sorting and management of 10,000 kg+ of waste