Enhancing ComprehensiveWaste Management in Transition Economies Through Green Logistics: A Case Study of Bosnia and Herzegovina

This study aims to elucidate the role of established public utility logistics in facilitating the integration of transition economies into the modern, developed world, with a particular focus on comprehensive waste management and the implementation of green logistics schemes. The research highlights the "green islands" waste collection system—networks of collection points that serve as separators for secondary raw materials from generated waste. It is demonstrated that such systems not only contribute to the optimization of public utility company costs and the selection of optimal transport routes but also play a crucial role in elevating public awareness regarding the importance of the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). A significant contribution of this study lies in its demonstration of how academic knowledge can be transferred to the business sector through spin-offs, evidencing a theoretical model of green logistics schemes that can increase the total amount of secondary raw materials recovered from waste by 20% by 2030 in the City of Doboj. The research underscores the role of citizens, students, and businesses as primary waste producers in transition economies, emphasizing the effectiveness of a rewards system for conscientious waste selection at the source. Moreover, the establishment of an optimal transport route designed to support these green islands is shown to enhance the collection and recycling of valuable secondary raw materials, thereby preventing their disposal in landfills without value recovery. This innovative approach not only raises public awareness towards a more sustainable environment but also establishes a foundation for long-term environmental health. Through the lens of green logistics, this study presents a compelling model for comprehensive waste management in transition economies, advocating for practices that ensure the sustainable management of resources and contribute to environmental protection and public health.