Armenia’s waste management system is on the verge of transformation. The introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach may require businesses to reconsider not only what they produce or import, but also what happens to their products after consumption.
This shift is centered not only on the draft EPR law, but also on a transformation of thinking: waste is no longer viewed as final garbage, but as a resource that can return to the economy.
“Waste is a resource that has ended up in the wrong place,” said business consultant Silva Mesropyan, who is engaged in private sector involvement within the waste management program, in her interview with Ecolur, emphasizing that this idea is becoming the core mindset of the new system.
Silva Mesropyan joined “Waste Policy in Armenia” (WPA) program implemented by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment in July 2025, at a stage when there was a need to more actively engage businesses—to inform, involve, and prepare them for legislative changes in waste management, including the introduction of the EPR system.
Working With Private Sector: From Mapping To Targeted Cooperation
According to Mesropyan, the work began with mapping businesses in two main directions: first, sectoral businesses directly targeted under the EPR system, and second, companies that could transition toward a green and sustainability agenda, even if not directly obligated by law.
“We have tried to work both directly with businesses and indirectly—through consultants, associations, and banks that have a broad client base,” she noted.
Target groups include importers of tires, batteries, motor oils, and equipment, as well as winemakers and other targeted manufacturing and importing companies. Seminars, individual meetings, and informational discussions have been organized with them.
Perception of EPR System in Business
Silva Mesropyan emphasizes that the EPR system is still taking shape within the business environment, and many companies are still trying to understand its implications. According to her, some companies are already taking initiative steps, without waiting for the law to fully enter into force.
They are exploring recycling options, logistical solutions, and discussing the establishment of waste collection systems.
Key Motivation Factors: Finance and Savings
According to Silva Mesropyan, one of the strongest drivers for business engagement is financial benefit. Access to green financing, as well as opportunities to reduce costs through resource savings, significantly change business attitudes.
“If you show that they can reduce costs by 10–30% or access more affordable financing, the approach changes completely,” she noted, adding, “The green agenda is the present and the ongoing future, and businesses must try to align with this trend in different ways.”
According to her, the most effective approach to waste management begins not with recycling, but with prevention.
The correct hierarchy is:
- prevent waste generation,
- create products that last longer and become waste later,
- and only at the final stage—recycle.
“The entire philosophy of waste management is not to generate waste, to use products longer, and even to avoid sending them to landfills, because recycling is the last step,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of reuse and repair as key tools for reducing waste.
Business Attitudes: Two Contrasting Approaches
According to Silva Mesropyan, two main approaches can be observed among businesses: some are indifferent and do not consider waste issues a priority, while others actively seek solutions.
“Some say ‘we’ll deal with it when the time comes,’ while others are already investing and looking for recycling or optimization solutions,” she said.
Waste Value Chain and Role of EPR
Mesropyan noted that the weakest link in the waste management value chain is recycling, as it requires significant resources—from collection to processing.
According to her, the EPR system can influence the entire chain, starting from product design.
“If a company knows it will have to pay for waste in the future, it begins to reconsider design, materials, and packaging,” she explained.
This also stimulates the creation of new businesses in recycling, collection, and green services sectors.
This material was created within “Waste Policy Armenia” (WPA) program, funded by Sweden and implemented by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, with financial support from Sweden and technical support from AUA.
The views, conclusions, and opinions presented belong to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the program, the American University of Armenia, or the Government of Sweden.
April 18, 2026 at 10:24