doi.org/10.52340/eab.2026.18.01.05.

This article examines the current state of the waste management system in Georgia within the broader context of green economy development and sustainable development goals. Waste management is approached as a multidimensional challenge that combines ecological responsibility with economic rationality. From an environmental standpoint, inefficient waste management contributes to land, water, and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term ecological degradation. From an economic standpoint, waste is increasingly regarded as a resource within the circular economy model, where materials are reused, recycled, or recovered to reduce dependence on primary resources and enhance economic efficiency.
The theoretical foundation of this study rests on the principles of the green and circular economy. The green economy emphasizes sustainable growth, resource efficiency, and environmental protection, while the circular economy advocates for closed-loop systems in which waste generation is minimized and materials remain in productive use for as long as possible. The article highlights the importance of institutional reforms in Georgia, particularly the adoption of the Waste Management Code and the National Waste Management Strategy (2016–2030). These initiatives aim to align national legislation with European Union directives and international environmental standards. Together, they establish the institutional framework for transforming Georgia’s waste management system from a linear “produce–consume–dispose” model into a more sustainable and resource-efficient structure.
The empirical component of the research employs a quantitative methodology. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire distributed across multiple regions of Georgia, involving 1,167 respondents. The dataset was processed using descriptive statistical methods and analyzed through percentage distribution. The empirical analysis explores demographic characteristics (age, gender, and regional distribution), levels of awareness regarding green economy concepts, knowledge of legal and strategic waste management documents, behavioral practices related to waste separation, perceptions of recycling, and the identification of key barriers that hinder active participation in waste management processes.
The findings reveal that awareness of the term “green economy” is relatively high among respondents, with the majority reporting familiarity with the concept. Nevertheless, a significant gap persists between general environmental awareness and knowledge of formal institutional frameworks. Awareness of the Waste Management Code and the National Waste Management Strategy remains comparatively low, indicating limited public communication and insufficient integration of environmental policy information into public discourse. This discrepancy underscores the need for stronger institutional outreach and enhanced environmental education.
In terms of behavioral practices, the results show that household waste separation is not yet a consistent or widespread habit. While some respondents report always or frequently separating waste, a considerable proportion do so only occasionally or not at all. This suggests that positive environmental attitudes do not automatically translate into stable behavioral patterns. The inconsistency of waste separation practices reflects structural limitations within the system rather than a lack of environmental concern.
A central analytical focus of the study is the identification of barriers to household waste separation. The most frequently cited obstacle is the lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly limited access to separate waste collection containers and organized recycling systems. This finding highlights the structural nature of the challenge, as behavioral change is unlikely to occur without fundamental infrastructural support. Time constraints and inconvenience emerge as another significant barrier, indicating that waste separation is often perceived as an additional burden rather than an integrated aspect of daily routines. Limited information and insufficient environmental awareness further contribute to low participation rates. In addition, motivational factors play a role, with some respondents expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of individual efforts in influencing broader systemic outcomes.
The study also explores public perceptions of recycling in relation to economic development. A substantial majority of respondents regard recycling as important or very important for economic growth. This perspective reflects a growing recognition of recycling as a driver of job creation, local industry development, reduced dependence on imports, optimization of municipal expenditures, and more efficient resource utilization. The findings suggest that waste management is increasingly understood not only as an environmental necessity but also as a strategic economic opportunity within the broader green transformation agenda.
The discussion highlights the structural and institutional challenges that continue to hinder the effective implementation of sustainable waste management practices. Although legislative and strategic frameworks have been established, their practical application remains uneven. Regional disparities, inadequate infrastructure, limited enforcement mechanisms, and gaps in public awareness persist as barriers to systemic progress. The research underscores the need for a comprehensive policy approach that integrates infrastructural development, institutional strengthening, and environmental education to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in waste management.
In conclusion, the article demonstrates that effective waste management is a critical prerequisite for ensuring environmental safety, advancing economic sustainability, and achieving a successful green transformation in Georgia. The transition toward a circular economy requires coordinated efforts across both institutional and societal levels. Expanding infrastructure, improving communication of legal frameworks, strengthening public awareness, and fostering citizen engagement are essential steps in building a sustainable waste management system. The empirical findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and contribute meaningfully to the broader discourse on green economy development in transitional economies.

Keywords: Green economy, circular economy, waste management, environmental awareness, economic development.
JEL Codes: Q53, Q56, O13, Q01, Q58

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