Turning waste into fertiliser: a composting site changing Divjaka
In Divjaka, where fertile land is cultivated two to three times a year, farmers face a recurring challenge: large amounts of organic waste left behind after harvest and packaging for export. Cabbage leaves, vegetable trimmings and other by-products often accumulate at the edges of fields, creating costly disposal problems and, when left untreated, leading to infections, blocked canals and unusable land.
Instead of allowing this surplus to become a burden, Robert Kokoneshi recognised an opportunity. By turning agricultural residues into compost, the company converts what was once discarded into a valuable resource for farmers.
“During the packaging process for export shipments, we realised how much material was being wasted. That moment sparked the idea to compost all leftovers and transform them into something useful. Today, through close collaboration with farmers, we collect organic waste, process it through composting, and return it to the soil — closing the loop between production and nature,” says Kokoneshi.
What initially appeared to be a costly challenge soon became the foundation for innovation. Rather than leaving food remnants to rot in fields, Kokoneshi invested in specialised machinery and experimented with composting in several stages. With support from EU4CELC, the company expanded its capacity, receiving both financial and technical assistance to improve transport and processing methods.
This partnership enables farmers to meet the demands of intensive cultivation in Divjaka while reducing environmental risks. The initiative is supported by a specially equipped truck with a capacity of 25 tonnes, designed to handle large volumes of organic waste collected from farms and local businesses. During its operations, the truck ensures that organic materials are carefully separated from plastic and other non-biodegradable elements. This careful separation not only speeds up the processing stage but also guarantees cleaner inputs for composting, reducing contamination and improving efficiency.
As Kokoneshi explains, “By separating waste at the source, we make the entire cycle faster, safer and far more effective, turning what was once a costly problem into a sustainable solution.”
In this way, the truck plays a crucial role in reshaping waste management practices and supporting a greener future.
EU Delegation to Albania
The outcome has been transformative, proving that discarded materials can be repurposed into something of real value. Today, the company collects organic matter directly from farms, processes it carefully, and delivers it back as high-quality compost. This development not only lowers disposal costs but also provides farmers with a sterile, bacteria-free fertiliser that eliminates the problems associated with traditional manure, such as pathogens, weed seeds and soil infections.
Founder Kokoneshi explains that what others see as waste, he sees as a raw material with immense potential. “By composting it and returning it to the land, we provide farmers with a product that is safer, cleaner and more effective than traditional manure.”
This approach has reshaped farming practices in Divjaka, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers and demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with agricultural competitiveness.
Unlike stable manure, which can spread diseases, weeds and infections while requiring heavy labour and high distribution costs, or chemical fertilisers, which weaken soil fertility over time, Kokoneshi’s composted product offers a sterile, bacteria-free solution. It is cost-effective, environmentally responsible in replenishing soil nutrients, and competitive with chemical fertilisers as a healthier, more sustainable alternative.
What was once considered waste is now recognised as a resource of high value. Kokoneshi’s composting initiative is more than a technical fix — it represents a cultural shift in agriculture, proving that sustainability can be both practical and profitable. By aiming to process up to 1,500 tonnes of organic waste, Kokoneshi is setting a new benchmark in Divjaka: turning challenges into opportunities, protecting the environment, and empowering farmers with innovative tools for a greener future.
Background information
The EU4CELC is a project funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is implemented by GIZ Albania in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania. The project aims to promote the circular economy in Albania by supporting municipalities in creating sustainable cities, improving citizens health, and increasing energy efficiency. Its focus is on innovative solutions for reducing glass waste and ensuring more affordable and sustainable packaging options. It improves municipal waste and resource management services in 15 partner municipalities, prioritising waste prevention, recycling, and composting.