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Guest Marko ListoHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026

Marko Listo

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Croatia's progress toward a circular economy has been slow, often marked by a disconnect between policy and practice. Marko Listo, director of Konsultare, has spent years advising on renewable energy, agri-food, environmental protection, and bio-waste management. He observes that while the private sector often seeks opportunity in new waste management models, many local governments approach the circular economy as an imposed obligation, leading to minimal, reactive compliance. Listo lays bare the systemic failures, from inconsistent legislative interpretation to a lack of political will, that keep Croatia lagging behind its European peers. This conversation offers a candid look at the real-world obstacles in waste management and how a shift in mindset—from viewing waste as a problem to a resource—remains largely unfulfilled.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Marko Listo observes that many local governments view circular waste management as 'something imposed, not something necessary and essential.' This mindset leads to a reactive approach, where only the bare minimum steps are taken under legislative pressure, contrasting sharply with how the private sector actively seeks opportunity in the same field.

Croatia still disposes of 77% of its waste in landfills, largely because it's perceived as 'the cheapest option.' This short-term cost-saving measure externalizes significant long-term environmental damage—to groundwater, soil, and air quality—which is often overlooked and later remediated with public funds.

Listo explains that before EU membership, waste management was simple: one bin, one truck, landfill. After joining, 'waste is now a very valuable raw material,' but public bills are higher, not lower. The promise that separating waste would lead to lower costs has not materialized, as the shift from simple disposal to resource recovery introduced new complexities and infrastructure costs that were not adequately explained or prepared for.

Despite separating waste at home, Croatia lacks the infrastructure to process it, forcing municipal companies to pay recyclers to take it or export it. Household separation becomes an incomplete solution without a corresponding industrial processing chain, shifting costs and responsibilities rather than truly closing the loop.

Listo highlights that legislative interpretation often varies, with 'one official interpreting a law or regulation one way, while another interprets it differently.' Such inconsistent application of rules creates significant practical problems for businesses and local authorities trying to implement waste management solutions, hindering progress more than the laws themselves.

Marko Listo attributes the avoidance of a comprehensive waste system to 'a lack of political will, a misunderstanding of the problem, the incompetence of individuals, and citizens' distrust in the entire system.' Systemic failure in public services is rarely a single issue, but rather a complex interplay of political, administrative, and public confidence factors.

Listo notes that public utility companies often served as places to 'employ people you didn't know what to do with.' Now, with waste as a 'commercial commodity,' many struggle to adapt. When public sector roles transition from simple service provision to managing market-driven resources, a lack of commercial acumen and competence within the organization can become a significant barrier to effective operations.

65 million kuna were spent on public education campaigns about waste management from EU and national funds, yet Listo 'justifiably doubts' that public awareness is at a satisfactory level. Significant financial investment in public education alone cannot solve systemic problems if the underlying infrastructure, consistent policy, and transparent operational systems are not also in place.

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