David Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, attended the opening ceremony of “Scrap”, a medical waste treatment facility, and addressed guests and attendees.

The newly established environmentally friendly facility ensures safe treatment and neutralization of hazardous medical and infectious waste without incineration. The facility is expected to contribute to developing a modern medical waste management system in Georgia and strengthening environmental standards.

“Waste management is a specific and complex process requiring a systematic approach, modern infrastructure, and continuous monitoring. The Ministry is taking significant steps to strengthen and modernize Georgia’s waste management system, including developing the necessary infrastructure and establishing specialized facilities for the safe and effective management of hazardous waste. We aim to move Georgia to a waste management system where waste is regarded as a resource, and its reduction, reuse, recycling, and safe management form an integral part of the development of a green and circular economy. In this process, private-sector initiatives and investment are of particular importance, supported by a stable and predictable environment created by the state”, - said David Songulashvili.

For the first time in Georgia and the South Caucasus region, advanced ECOSTERYL technology is being deployed to ensure the safe treatment and subsequent management of medical and infectious waste. The project marks a significant step toward modernizing Georgia’s medical waste management system and strengthening environmental practices. ECOSTERYL technology treats waste without incineration, using microwave technology. The system operates entirely on electricity, and the treatment process produces a dry, sterile, and safe material. This reduces the risk of toxic emissions and contributes to the safe subsequent management of the treated waste.

The launch of the new facility will help modernize medical waste management, strengthen operational safety, and advance the implementation of modern environmental standards. The project draws on European and international best practices and provides an additional opportunity to use modern, environmentally sound technologies in Georgia’s waste management sector.