Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-01-13

Description

Description (EN):

Project Wise Waste bringing together expertise, sources and all efforts of five partners from four different countries - Türkiye, Greece, Bulgaria and Georgia in responding to the local needs and challenges, aiming reduction of all forms of pollution and sufficient decreasing of the marine and river litter pollution in the Black Sea Basin. The Wıse Waste project tackles the significant challenge of inadequate waste management practices within the programme area, which contribute to substantial river and marine pollution. This issue is driven by low recycling rates, insufficient waste collection infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and weak enforcement of waste management regulations. The resulting pollution negatively impacts ecosystems, public health, and local economies that rely on clean water bodies. The primary objective of the Wıse Waste project is to improve waste management practices across the programme area benefiting from the smart and innovative practices and solutions that could be applied for drastically reduction of river and marine pollution. By creating a sustainable waste management system, implementing smart waste management practices as integration of technological solutions in the waste collection and stimulating people to separate their waste and recycle the project aims to mitigate environmental damage and promote a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are efficiently reused and recycled. Joint efforts of the PPs focus on ensuring the reduction of the marine and river litter pollution in the BSB through integration of smart technologies and increasing the innovativeness of the target institutions from 4 partner countries for more effective, sustainable and cost-efficient waste management in urban, rural and coastal areas. It includes capacity building and community teamwork to empower and engage especially youths in protecting nature and supporting Europe's goals of moving towards a Circular Economy. All partners are facing the following common territorial challenges: Low Recycling Rates, Insufficient Waste management Infrastructure, Inconsistent Collection Services leading to pollution including marine pollution, Lack of innovations in the waste management practices of the public service providers, Huge Plastic Pollution, low level of public awareness concerning waste reduction good practices. That is why they join forces to ensure smart waste collection systems for increasing recycling rates, reducing littering, and improving waste management efficiency in the basin, along with increasing the awareness of the young people. At the same time all target countries need to benefit from the technological innovations in the waste management practices, to adopt new technologies for efficient smart waste collecting, transportation and treatment. The main results of the project will be developed cooperation between public institutions and NGOs from 4 countries surrounding Black Sea, combining their efforts for a green and clean BSB. The partners will develop sustainable joint solutions with a cross-border features such as increasing joint capacity especially of waste management services providers to integrate in their activities and plans innovation and smart solutions and technologies, development of joint digital Wise Waste App in order to achieve behavioural changes and to increase awareness towards reducing pollution across the Black Sea Basin. The app will stimulate recycling and environmentally -friendly behaviors among the children and young people through interactive Educational Game- "The Path of the Waste", Quizzes for both adults and children will be included too. TR and GEO partners will integrate smart technologies in the local waste practices, by ensuring smart bins and vehicle tracking system that will ensure effective, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly waste management services around the Black Sea, from which more than 60 000 people will benefit. Powered environmental and clean-up campaigns will be developed at local and international level with sustainable educational approach covering more than 700 children from the four countries. Recycling will be strongly promoted by integration of smart vending machines for plastic waste in 15 schools, 1 Community park, 2 in University. Transnational cooperation is vital for the project. The partnership structure is the main key leading to the success and certain results of the project. The partnership is based on the principle of benefitting from each other’s expertise, knowledge as all partners are ready to develop capacity and to spread it in the region for a clean environment and better future. By working together, the PPs from different countries will leverage their strengths and share best practices and innovative solutions- European practices will be applied jointly.

Expected Achievements (EN):

To implement and establish a sustainable waste management system in the Black Sea Basin that includes the installation of smart recycling tools and infrastructure as a pilot investment in TR, extending the waste collection services to the un-protected beaches in BG thereby reducing marine pollution in the Black Sea and enhancing environmental awareness among local communities, particularly schoolchildren and students in the basin. The project aim to be increased the rate of source separation of recyclable materials (plastic, metal, glass) with application of smart waste management solutions in pilot communities within the Black Sea Basin by the project's end.

Project outputs: Sustainable ground for joint capacity building and cooperation established(EN)
Joint Clean-up Camp(EN)
Joint digital instrument (EN)
Smart Waste Management technologies integrated jointly in different countries (EN)

Thematic information

Coastal management and maritime issues Rural and peripheral development Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Kırklareli İl Özel İdaresi

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 889804669

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5580075250 | NA | NA (EN)

Department: NA

Address: 100. Yil Blvd. Karakas Neighborhood , 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: 100. Yil Blvd, Karakas Neighborhood , 39020 Kirklareli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.kirklareliilozelidaresi.gov.tr

Total budget: EUR 432 508.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 389 257.59

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 250.85

იმერეთის მხარის მეცნიერთა კავშირი „სპექტრი“

Name: იმერეთის მხარის მეცნიერთა კავშირი „სპექტრი“

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 894178011

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 212699864 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Robakidze Str., 4600 Kutaisi, Georgia

Department address: Robakidze Str, 4600 Kutaisi, Georgia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.spectri.org.ge

Total budget: EUR 273 389.28

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 246 050.35

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 338.93

Община Несебър

Name: Община Несебър

Department: na

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948256675

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000057122 | BG000057122 | BULSTAT (EN)

Address: Edelvais str., 8230 Nesebar, Bulgaria

Department address: Edelvais str., 8230 Nesebar, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.nesebar.bg/

Total budget: EUR 178 861.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 160 975.08

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 886.12

ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΗ - ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΕΚΜΗΡΙΩΣΗΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΡΑΤΣΙΣΜΟ, ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΙΑ, ΤΗΝ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΤΗ ΜΗ-ΒΙΑ

Name: ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΗ - ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΕΚΜΗΡΙΩΣΗΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΡΑΤΣΙΣΜΟ, ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΙΑ, ΤΗΝ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΤΗ ΜΗ-ΒΙΑ

Department: NA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950180282

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL 090126533 | organization ID E10116004 | Organization ID registry (EN)

Address: PTOLEMAION , 54630 THESSALONIKI, Greece

Department address: PTOLEMAION , 54630 THESSALONIKI, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.antigone.gr

Total budget: EUR 86 310.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 77 679.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 631.00

Kırklareli Belediyesi

Name: Kırklareli Belediyesi

Department: na

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891886968

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5580009250 | na | na (EN)

Address: Mustafa Kemal Blvd. Karacaibrahim Neighborhood, 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: Mustafa Kemal Blvd. Karacaibrahim Neighborhood, 39000 Kirklareli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website (not verified): https://www.kirklareli.bel.tr

Total budget: EUR 513 772.35

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 462 395.11

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 377.24

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Imereti Scientists’ Union “Spectri”

Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Nesebar Municipality

Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

ANTIGONE - INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION CENTRE ON RACISM,ECOLOGY, PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE

Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Kirklareli

Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Kirklareli Special Provincial Administration

Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Project acronym: WISE-WASTE

Project ID: BSB00825

Project start date: 2025-12-23

Project end date: 2027-12-22

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

European Sustainable Cities Platform (ESCP) (EN) | The ESCP promotes sustainable urban development through various initiatives, including waste management. Wise Waste's focus on improving waste management practices in Black Sea cities aligns perfectly with this objective. The investments and joint solutions made in the scope of the current project such as capacity building in smart waste management, supply of smart containers with sensors, stimulating recycling among the young people with smart solutions, will provide valuable insights and experiences that can be shared through the ESCP
platform, fostering collaboration and inspiring other cities in the Black Sea Basin region to implement similar initiatives. (EN), Blue Circular Economy Project (EN) | The Blue Circular Economy project focuses on developing innovative solutions to reduce marine litter and promote the circular economy in coastal regions. The current project's
pilot actions for smart waste management, specifically the supply of smart reverse vending machines for plastic and smart containers, integration of Smart Waste Tracking System control system, extending the collection services to he uncontrolled sea coasts and integration of the waste collection to the coastal areas of the Black Sea align with the objectives of the Blue Circular Economy project by promoting recycling, reducing waste leakage into rivers and seas, and supporting the transition towards a circular economy. (EN), European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
(ECESP) (EN) | The ECESP platform provides a wealth of information and resources on best practices, success stories, and ongoing initiatives related to the circular economy in Europe. At the same time the platform connects a diverse range of stakeholders involved in the circular economy transition. The current project results will be promoted among the platform members for the exchange of best practices and contributing to the joint activities in pollution reduction in the basin. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 484 841.27

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 336 357.13

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The project's activities and objectives align with the goals of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA). The CMA aims to promote sustainable blue growth, protect the marine environment, and enhance cooperation among the countries in the Black Sea region.
The project's focus on smart waste management, youth engagement, and the reduction of river and marine litter directly contributes to the CMA's objectives. By implementing pilot actions for smart waste management and conducting awareness campaigns for youths and students, the project helps address the challenge of marine litter in the Black Sea Basin.
Specifically, the project supports the CMA's priority areas related to environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and resource efficiency. It contributes to the reduction of marine litter, which is a key challenge in the region, and promotes the preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure in urban areas.
In terms of priority axes, the project aligns with various aspects of the CMA, including promoting sustainable tourism and coastal development, enhancing environmental protection, and improving waste management practices. The project's emphasis on youth empowerment and engagement also supports the CMA's objective of building a sustainable and responsible
maritime future by involving the younger generation in environmental initiatives.
Overall, the project contributes to the implementation of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea by addressing key challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering cooperation among the countries in the
region for introduction of smart waste management systems in their practices for achieving circular economy priorities.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The Wise Waste project directly aligns with the objectives of EUSAIR, particularly with regards to Greece's participation through ANTIGONE, a Thessaloniki-based partner. The strategy objective to Promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region: the Wise Waste will lead to:
- increased recycling rates that will lead to job creation in the waste management and recycling sectors.
- Improved waste management reduces healthcare costs associated with pollution-related illnesses.
- Enhanced tourism potential through a cleaner Black Sea and Aegean sea coastlines.
The project will promote sustainable development of maritime and coastal sectors, as the strategy aims. The project will contribute for reduction of plastic pollution in the Black Sea, protects marine ecosystems and fisheries, supporting sustainable blue growth.
Wise Waste will Improve waste management practices in coastal areas like Thessaloniki (Greece), Kirkalreli (Türkiye) and Burgas (Bulgaria) benefit tourism and recreational activities.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The Danube Region covers a few countries of which a PP4 from Burgas, Bulgaria is a part of. The project contributes to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) through its focus on smart waste management, youth engagement,
and the reduction of river and marine litter. Specifically, the project aligns PA2 of the EUSDR, which focuses on preserving the environment and promoting sustainability.
While the project's primary focus is on waste management and litter reduction, it indirectly supports the goals of PA2 “To Encourage More Sustainable Energy” by promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency. Through pilot actions for extending the waste collection services in the region the PP4 will prevent marine litter polution.
The project directly aligns with the goals of PA4 “To Restore and Maintain the Quality of Waters” by targeting the reduction of river and marine litter. By raising awareness among youths and students about the impacts of litter on
water quality and ecosystems, and by implementing waste management policies and practices to minimize pollution, the project contributes to improving the quality of waters in the Black Sea Basin.
The project's focus on increasing reginal capacity of the target countries in integration of smart waste management systems in their waste strategies aligns with the goals of PA7 “To Invest in People and Skills”, which aim to invest in education, skills, and human resources. Through its
awareness campaign and clean-up actions targeting youths and students, the project enhances environmental education and fosters a sense of responsibility and active participation in protecting nature and biodiversity.
Other The Wise Waste project aligns perfectly with the European Green Deal's ambitious goals for a cleaner and more sustainable future as long as support behavior changes towards more sustainable consumption patterns. Circular Economy: By promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling through source separation and smart technologies, Wise Waste directly contributes to the EU's vision of a circular economy. Less waste goes to landfills, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact.
The project tackles plastic pollution, a major threat to the Black Sea and marine ecosystems. Improved waste management practices and plastic waste reduction campaigns directly support the Green Deal's objective of cleaner air, water, and soil. Wise Waste fosters healthier communities by reducing pollution and improving waste management. This aligns with the Green Deal's vision of a healthier environment and improved quality of life for European citizens.
Other The project promotes waste segregation at source and recycling through smart bins, control systems and reverse vending machines. This encourages residents and businesses to separate recyclables, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills and promoting the recovery of valuable resources like plastics, metals, and glass. By piloting smart bin technology, the project explores innovative solutions for optimizing waste collection routes and reducing reliance on manual sorting. This aligns with the Action Plan's objective of promoting efficient and modern waste management infrastructure. A core goal of Wise Waste is to significantly increase recycling rates in the Black Sea region. This directly supports the Action Plan's target of achieving higher recycling rates across the EU, diverting waste from landfills and closing the loop on resource use.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Türkiye (TR), Kirklareli , Karakas neighborhood, Kirklareli Community Garden, na, 39100
Türkiye (TR), Kırklareli, Karacaibrahim, Mustafa Kemal Blv. No:2, na, 39100

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-01-13

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 67 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

296 / 296 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Cooperation for Smart Waste Management Solutions and Pollution Reduction in the Urban, Rural and Coastal areas of the Black Sea Basin

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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