Recycling in Sarajevo is slowly growing, but it still requires effort and awareness from residents. Infrastructure exists, but it’s not always well-marked or easy to find – especially for newcomers. Here’s how to navigate recycling in the city:
♻️ What You Can Recycle
You can recycle common materials like:
- Plastic bottles and packaging (PET, HDPE)
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles and jars
- Paper and cardboard
- Electronic waste (e-waste)
🗑️ Public Recycling Bins: Color Codes
Look for color-coded containers around the city, often grouped together in public areas or near residential blocks:
- 🟡 Yellow – Plastics
- 🔵 Blue – Paper and cardboard
- 🟢 Green – Glass
- ⚫ Other shapes/colors – E-waste and specialized containers
You can find grouped containers—called eco islands—in many neighborhoods thanks to efforts by Ekopak, a non-profit organization managing packaging waste collection.
🤖 Reciklomat Smart Recycling Machines (Ekograd)
Reciklomat is a smart recycling initiative helping reduce packaging waste across Bosnia and Herzegovina. These automated machines accept plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles, making recycling easier, fun, and even rewarding!
Some machines, especially in schools and institutions, even give out pencils or crayons to children in exchange for recyclables.
Reciklomat (by Ekograd) machines accept plastic, glass, and cans and are easy to use. Some even reward you with:
- Public transport tickets
- Free entrance to Pionirska Dolina or Vrelo Bosne
- Free parking time
- Or the option to donate to Pomozi.ba
🔌 E-Waste & Hazardous Waste
You can safely dispose of electronics (phones, computers, small appliances) and batteries at:
- Eco Station near Veliki Park (across from ARIA Mall)
- ZEOS e-waste bins in some public buildings and schools
KJKP RAD Recycling Yards in Sarajevo
Sarajevo has several KJKP RAD recycling yards where you can drop off items that shouldn’t go in regular bins – from paper, plastic, and glass to electronics, bulky waste, and car tires.
- Smiljevići – Main site at the Regional Waste Management Center.
- Novo Sarajevo (Paromlinska 64) – Accepts packaging, electronics, bulky waste, and more. Features a RE-USE House for items in good condition. Open daily 08:00–20:00.
- Ilijaš (Industrial Zone Željezara 2) – Large facility for recyclables, bulky items, bio-waste, electronics, and tires.
- Call 033 64 10 51 if you need pick-up. Open Mon–Sat 07:00–19:00, Sun 07:00–13:30.
📞 Info: +387 33 658 038 | ✉️ jkpradsa@bih.net.ba