Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing issues globally today. And when I say this, I don’t just mean the bottles floating in the oceans — this is a problem that we face everywhere: in the streets, parks, and mountains. In Georgia, interest in plastic recycling is slowly but surely growing.
However, I want to emphasize that simply recycling is not enough. Raising awareness is crucial — people need to understand why it matters to recycle and how they, too, can contribute personally.

Why Is Plastic Recycling Important?

Plastic is practically non-degradable — it can take hundreds of years to break down. During this time, it pollutes water, soil, kills animals, and eventually returns to us through the food we eat.
If we want to live in a clean environment and fight for a healthy future, we must think about how to tackle this problem right now, through our actions. And the first step in these actions is knowledge — understanding why it is important to properly dispose of waste and how we can recycle things that are still usable.

“Tene” — A Small Step with Big Impact

“Tene” is a prominent Georgian company that specializes in plastic recycling. They focus on collecting PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic bottles, which are then processed and transformed into new products. This company is one of the leaders in the field in Georgia and has a significant impact on the recycling industry. 
What sets “Tene” apart is its holistic approach to recycling — not only do they work on the collection and recycling process, but they also invest heavily in “awareness campaigns”. 
Through public education and collaboration with businesses and communities, Tene ensures that people understand the importance of recycling, how to properly dispose of waste, and the long-term benefits of reducing plastic pollution.
But what is most important about what Tene does is that they are also developing “public awareness”— teaching people why they should recycle, how to separate waste, and what impact each small step can have. Bulgaria — One Step Ahead, but Still on the Path to Progress

In Bulgaria, plastic recycling is more systematically organized. There are serious laws and programs on a national level that require businesses and citizens to separate and properly recycle their waste.
In cities, almost everywhere you’ll find separate bins for waste, but the problem still persists — awareness is not perfect, especially in rural areas.
It’s common for people to disregard the proper waste disposal systems just because they don’t know or haven’t been informed.

What Can Georgia and Bulgaria Learn from Each Other?

Georgia can certainly learn from Bulgaria’s systematic approach, which separates waste and makes it mandatory.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, can take a leaf from Georgia’s small, flexible initiatives — such as private companies like Tene, which act quickly and efficiently and often lead the way in raising awareness better than large-scale programs.

In both cases, raising awareness is absolutely key: real change happens when people understand the importance of the problem and take personal responsibility for their actions.

My Opinion — What Can We Do Better?

I believe that if both Georgia and Bulgaria adopt Germany’s RSSC (Recycling Sorting and Separation Centers) model, we would see much better results.
These are special stations where anyone can bring their waste — plastic, paper, glass, metal — and sort it right there. These centers are often equipped with informational banners, posters, and often hold local educational campaigns.

Along with such projects, it is essential to start active educational campaigns — in schools, universities, on television, and social media.
For example:
– Schools could integrate waste separation lessons into their curriculum.
– Local governments could organize informational meetings and distribute posters.
– Social networks could spread interesting and engaging videos on the importance of proper waste disposal.

It’s knowledge, the awareness it brings, that will drive real change.

Change starts with each one of us.
We don’t have to do big things — simple daily actions, like recycling what we can and showing others the right way, are enough to make a difference.
If we all set the example and start thinking about recycling every day, we will gradually create an environment where cleanliness, care, and responsibility are natural parts of life.
I truly believe that this path is open to us, and now is the time to take that first step together.

Besiki Geldiashvili