Eco-gap: Financial barriers slow Moldova’s green mobility
Moldova is accelerating its transition to a circular economy, with plans to implement a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for packaging as early as 2026. The Ministry of Environment is currently evaluating two applications to select a single national administrator for the programme.
According to Rodica Poprițac, an official at the Ministry of Environment, waste management infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Currently, over 95% of households in the capital, Chișinău, have access to separate waste collection, while 60% of rural localities are covered by sanitation services.
Infrastructure and 2028 targets
The government views the installation of separate bins for plastic, paper, and glass as essential to meeting national waste targets set for 2028. Poprițac noted that while infrastructure is being prioritised, waste disposal fees will remain stable until citizens have adequate access to sorting facilities.
International partners are playing a critical role in this transition. Virginia Bîlici, UNDP Moldova project manager, confirmed that the organisation is supporting the construction of 10 air quality monitoring stations and two voluntary waste collection centres for bulky items.
Public perception vs. economic reality
Despite the administrative progress, significant gaps remain between environmental awareness and financial capacity. A recent study by sociologist Vasile Cantarji revealed that while 70% of Moldovans are concerned about the environment, 32% cannot afford eco-friendly transport options.
"Adopting green behaviours does not always require high costs," Cantarji stated, suggesting that reducing car use frequency is as vital as tax incentives for electric vehicles.
The Green Transition Barometer, conducted in late 2025, underscores this sensitivity. While the population shows high concern for global and national environmental issues, the practical shift toward sustainable habits remains closely tied to economic accessibility.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
