In November 2025, EcoLur Press Club hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Yerevan at Crossroads of Solutions for Nubarashen Landfill Problem: Which is Right Path?" During the event, participants discussed issues regarding the regulation of the Nubarashen landfill, waste sorting in Yerevan, and the implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
The roundtable was organized within the framework of "New Challenges for Yerevan's Development and Opportunities to Overcome Them" project, implemented in cooperation with the CEE Bankwatch International Network. The representatives from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan Municipality, and non-governmental organizations participated in the roundtable.
The total area of Nubarashen landfill is 52.3 hectares, with approximately 30 hectares having been in use since the 1950s. On average, 1,000 to 1,200 tons of waste are transported to Nubarashen daily. Over the years, approximately 8 million tons of solid municipal waste have accumulated at the site. The landfill does not meet sanitary landfill standards.
The landfill was previously operated by "Erebuni Maqrutyun" LLC. However, months ago, operations were transferred to a municipal organization, "Nor Aghbavayr" CJSC (New Landfill CJSC). Gorik Avetisyan, Deputy Head of Environmental Protection Department of Yerevan Municipality, presented the work currently being carried out at the landfill. According to Avetisyan, since coming under municipal jurisdiction, waste compaction and soil covering operations are being performed at the site. There are 8-10 units of machinery operating in the area. He stated that plans are in place to close the Nubarashen landfill, construct a sanitary landfill, and build a waste recycling plant.
The project for the construction of the new sanitary landfill in Nubarashen has been valued at $13,366,450 USD, while the project for closing the [existing] Nubarashen landfill is valued at $15,608,548 USD.
For the implementation of projects related to the Nubarashen landfill, Yerevan Municipality has applied to the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Asian Development Bank. According to Gorik Avetisyan, the EBRD is currently financing only the costs for engaging a consultant. Preliminary data suggests the new sanitary landfill is intended to be built next to the existing Nubarashen site, but the consultant must also consider alternative options. This program has three components: the closure of the old landfill, the construction of a new sanitary landfill, and the conservation of the Ajapnyak landfill. "The selected organization will design, build, and operate the landfill itself," Gorik Avetisyan noted.
According to him, the construction of a municipal solid waste recycling plant in Yerevan is simultaneously being considered. Technologies may include mechanical-biological treatment, anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy generation, and composting of the organic fraction. It should be recalled that in 2016, a program for the construction of a new landfill in Yerevan was approved in the amount of 26 million euros. The program was to be financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the EU.
By 2024, the program had not been implemented, funds had not been allocated, and it was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties.
"That program also envisaged the closure of the old landfill, the closure of Ajapnyak, and the construction of a new sanitary landfill; what is the difference? We are now spending money and conducting studies, receiving technical assistance. What are we spending money for? There is no mention of sorting and recycling here," noted Harutyun Alpetyan, a lecturer at the American University of Armenia's Acopian Center for the Environment, a waste management expert, and head of "Waste Policy in Armenia" program.
In response, Gorik Avetisyan stated: "The general study also covers sorting possibilities. A comprehensive study of the sector is being carried out. Unlike the previous program, the new landfill must also serve certain settlements in the Ararat, Armavir, and Aragatsotn regions adjacent to Yerevan under this program."
According to him, the Municipality is currently implementing a project to create a forest buffer zone on a 0.5-hectare area adjacent to the Nubarashen landfill." A project worth approximately 220 million AMD is to be implemented, of which 100 million AMD is being provided by the Ministry of Environment."
To be continued
December 09, 2025 at 11:22