To mark World Environment Day – this year themed around tackling plastic pollution – Sasa Mine launched three important activities to promote environmental awareness and community action. On this occasion, Sasa Mine donated an automatic reverse-vending machine – the first of its kind in the municipality of Makedonska Kamenica – which will allow citizens to easily contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. To celebrate the installation of the machine, educational activities involving young people from the local community were organised, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of recycling and sustainable development.
Plastic Recycling, Made Easy
The innovative reverse-vending machine, located in a high-traffic area in the town centre, enables residents and visitors of Makedonska Kamenica to deposit used plastic bottles that are then processed and sent for recycling. At the same time, each deposited bottle earns “green points,” redeemable for benefits and discounts on various products and services. This concept is designed to promote responsible behavior and contribute to reducing plastic waste in urban areas.
“Today’s donation is part of Sasa Mine’s broader commitment to environmental protection and strengthening local ecological awareness. The vending machine is not just a device – it is a tool for change – raising awareness and enabling action to reduce plastic waste, one of today’s biggest global environmental risks. Through initiatives like this, and others we implement continuously, we aim to send a strong message as a company about the need for joint action toward a more sustainable future,” said Ivica Talevski, Sustainability Director at Sasa Mine.
The Mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Dimcho Atanasovski, expressed his gratitude for the donation, highlighting that the partnership with Sasa Mine is an example of successful collaboration between institutions and businesses in making long-term improvements for the community. “This donation will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but will also help build habits for responsible handling of plastic waste. We encourage the community to actively use the vending machine and to join efforts to reduce waste. I am confident this initiative will inspire other municipalities and companies to invest in green solutions,” said Mayor Atanasovski.
Eco-Bazaar: Turning Waste into Resources
As part of the World Environment Day celebration, together with the municipal primary school “St. Cyril and Methodius,” Sasa Mine organised an Eco-Bazaar entitled “We Re-use, We Preserve Nature.” At the stands set up in the school yard, numerous students from the school, children from the kindergarten, and users from the Day Centre for People with Special Needs showcased creative items made from recycled materials, which they created together with the Sasa Mine environmental protection team. The aim of this activity was to encourage youth initiative and to demonstrate how waste can be turned into a resource through innovation, art and responsible environmental behaviour. Proceeds from the items sold will be donated to support the Day Centre for People with Special Needs in Makedonska Kamenica.
Youth Voices for Nature
Ahead of World Environment Day, Sasa Mine hosted a Youth Open Forum that brought together young employees from SASA Mine, local students from the University “Goce Delchev” in Štip, and Day Centre users in Makedonska Kamenica. The forum served as a platform for dialogue, to share ideas and to propose concrete actions which young people can take to protect the environment. Through these activities, Sasa Mine continues to show that caring for the environment is not just a responsibility, but a long-term commitment to empowering communities, collaboration and protecting the planet for future generations.
Makedonska Kamenica, June 5, 2025
