As of 2020, 297 active dumpsites have been mapped in Armenia. Around 700,000 tons of municipal solid waste are disposed of in dumpsites annually. Approximately 25% of the waste stream consists of dry recyclable materials, and 50% is food waste, which can also be recovered. However, less than 5% of waste is recycled.
Armenia is introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, which will contribute to reducing the volume of waste sent to dumpsites in the country.
The authorized body responsible for implementing the EPR system in Armenia is the Ministry of Environment, which is receiving technical support from the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment within the Sweden-funded four-year program “Waste Policy in Armenia.”
In the video, Harutyun Alpetyan—lecturer at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, waste management expert, and Head of “Waste Policy in Armenia” program—presents the impact of implementing the EPR system.
This material was produced within the framework of “Waste Policy in Armenia” (WPA) project implemented by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, with financial support from Sweden and technical support from AUA.
The views, conclusions, and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the project, the American University of Armenia, or the Government of Sweden.
November 24, 2025 at 19:27