In 2008 PointPro Consulting developed pre-feasibility studies for establishment of Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems (ISWM) in the South-East and Polog statistical regions in Macedonia. The initiative was funded by the Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and implemented by the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), Country Office Macedonia.

The current activity is a continuation of the same effort, and in general it is focused on examining the economic value of improved SWM. In particular, the assignment will include:

• Assessment of ISWM systems’ user preferences regarding: (1) the designed/proposed service level and quality; (2) their readiness/willingness to pay for the improved service and as well participate in the improvement; and (3) their attitude towards, and expectations from, governmental policies on SWM.   
• Identification of the most important institutional capacity gaps of few largest Public Communal Enterprises in both regions, and development of recommendations regarding necessary capacity building activities that need to be carried out as part of the project implementation efforts.

Regionalization and upgrading of SWM services is expected to bring about enormous benefits to the population, as current inappropriate waste collection and disposal practices cause significant environmental stress throughout the Country.