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Towards Sustainable Food Waste Management in Serbia: A Review of Challenges, Gaps, and Future Perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • Nevena Ivanović

    (Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Aleksandra Vučinić

    (Department for Circular Economy and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Environmental Protection, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Valentina Marinković

    (Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Dušanka Krajnović

    (Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Marijana Ćurčić

    (Toxicological Risk Assessment Center, Department of Toxicology “Akademik Danilo Soldatović”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

Food waste is a pressing global problem with significant environmental, economic and social impacts. This review examines the state of food waste management in Serbia and contextualizes the challenges and opportunities in a global and EU framework. In the Republic of Serbia, an estimated 247,000 tons of food is wasted annually, indicating critical gaps in waste management infrastructure, consumer awareness and missing legislation. While existing policies address general waste management, there is a lack of targeted measures for food waste prevention and resource recovery. The overview recommends aligning Serbian policy with an EU legislative frame, introducing extended producer responsibility and promoting public–private cooperation to improve food donation and recycling. This is the first comprehensive study specifically addressing food waste management in Serbia and assessing its compliance with European and global best practices. By comparing Serbia’s current status with established international models, this paper identifies critical gaps and proposes actionable strategies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the food waste management system in Serbia. These include investment in infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and the use of innovative digital tools to reduce waste and support a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Nevena Ivanović & Aleksandra Vučinić & Valentina Marinković & Dušanka Krajnović & Marijana Ćurčić, 2025. "Towards Sustainable Food Waste Management in Serbia: A Review of Challenges, Gaps, and Future Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2961-:d:1621492
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thyberg, Krista L. & Tonjes, David J., 2016. "Drivers of food waste and their implications for sustainable policy development," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 110-123.
    2. Beatrice Garske & Katharine Heyl & Felix Ekardt & Lea Moana Weber & Wiktoria Gradzka, 2020. "Challenges of Food Waste Governance: An Assessment of European Legislation on Food Waste and Recommendations for Improvement by Economic Instruments," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-23, July.
    3. Andrew Parry & Paul Bleazard & Koki Okawa, 2015. "Preventing Food Waste: Case Studies of Japan and the United Kingdom," OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers 76, OECD Publishing.
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