The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) today signed a €3.5 million loan deal with Armenia to finance the construction of the country’s first European Union (EU) compliant solid waste landfill.

The new landfill, to be located in the city of Hrazdan in Kotayk Province and managed by eight participating municipalities – Hrazdan, Abovyan, Charentsavan, Tsakhkadzor, Byureghavan, Yeghvard, Nor Hatchn and Sevan – will operate as a commercially sustainable unit with modern solid waste management systems, covering the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste.

This will provide major environmental and social benefits for some 215,000 people in the area covered by the facility, according to the ERBD.

The loan is complemented by a €3.5 million capital grant provided by the European Union Neighbourhood Facility.