Background In the Balkan region, the main disposal method for municipal waste is landfilling. There is little interest in alternative methods that will reduce the volume or reuse the waste. Besides technological constraints, one of the main reasons for this situation is a weak institutional framework. Objectives The BALKWASTE project aimed to spread awareness of the EU waste strategy and policy and its implementation in Member States to the whole Balkan region, using Romania and Bulgaria as case studies. The following results were expected: A 60% diversion rate from landfilling for the municipal wastes; A 50% reduction of landfilling of biodegradable wastes; At least three new waste management plants in the region in each case study region; Training of personnel to use the decision support tool (software developed by the project to assist decision making in waste management); Support to 10 decentralised waste management authorities; A procedure for monitoring the performance of waste stakeholders; Raised awareness among stakeholders; and Development of a Balkan Waste Network. Results Results data concerning targets for reduced landfill pressures was not quantified but positive project outcomes included improved decision-making capacities in waste management. This was achieved via the innovative software (DSS) tool, which comprises a holistic approach in solid waste management and is able to evaluate different scenarios including all key elements in designing integrated waste management systems. The tool has incorporated targets and obligations deriving from the existing EU waste legislative framework and future policy priorities in solid waste management. The software tool was applied for two case study regions, one in Romania and one in Bulgaria and will support competent authorities in implementing integrated waste management plans. The software tool was disseminated to all interested competent authorities. Hence the BALKWASTE project has helped Romania and Bulgaria to achieve national targets that were recently established. The DSS tool and all other project deliverables provide technical support to competent entities. The tools’ use will be spread at regional and national level in all four beneficiary countries through the organisation of training sessions. More specifically, project outcomes set the foundations for better waste management processes in the Balkan region, thereby facilitating direct and positive sustainable development effects. In addition, the project contributes to the EU’s Thematic Strategy for Recycling and Waste Prevention. This represents an important and useful step forward since waste streams continue to increase in the region but gaps in institutional capacity continue to hinder potential progress. The project helps to ensure a positive transition in Romania and Bulgaria towards more mainstream solid waste management and also helps other non-EU countries incorporate policies and measures for sustainable waste management. The innovative DSS software tool is fit-for-purpose and focuses on the recovery of secondary materials in the Balkan market and waste infrastructure. The main tool incorporates three sub-tools. These are: an automated process tool (identifying and suggesting the most suitable technologies); an analytical tool (evaluating available waste management options through Material Flow Analysis); and a decision support system (assisting the appropriate authorities to select an optimal waste management strategy). Economic, environmental, technical and social criteria included in the software are tailored to help municipalities to improve their own waste management systems. The DSS tool also offers opportunities to address future EU priorities in waste policy (e.g. the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC targets of 50% recycling by 2020) as well as municipal solid waste management issues. It’s components dedicated to assessing environmental impacts are considered very valuable for their ability to provide quantified data for comparing and evaluating alternative waste management scenarios during decision-making. The DSS Tool and associated training sessions provided added value when they were used for the validation of current practices. Stakeholders welcomed the holistic tool’s capacity for integrating social factors, and helping non-specialists to better understand (using non-technical language) complex interplays between the many factors involved in integrated waste management. Demand was thus identified to deploy similar support during future planning exercises by the stakeholders. Benefits are expected here across a range of health, social, economic, and environmental policy areas. Flexibility within the DSS tools means that it can be adapted and applied throughout Europe. Hence the project results remain highly replicable and interest in the free-of-charge software is expected to strengthen due to its interactive and simple graphical user interface – which helps users to visualise the process of waste management planning. New employment options are foreseen from the project results, which can be harnessed to help provide valuable resources for economic growth as well as foster job creation associated with collecting, recovering, and recycling secondary materials. Encouraging the use of best available technologies can further stimulate local technological markets thereby increasing both employment and competitiveness over the long-term. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).