Under his leadership, this city enterprise has recorded growth in key financial and operational indicators, with a strong focus on modernizing equipment and improving the waste management system. Through the implementation of demanding projects of national importance, such as cleaning the Mareza River canal, "Deponija" has further strengthened its role as an important partner in environmental protection and public interest. In an interview for Pobjeda, Božović talks about the challenges and results brought by his mandate, the importance of teamwork, but also plans for further development and improvement of this key city system.
DEDICATION
Koliko dugo ste na čelu gradskog preduzeća „Deponija” d.o.o. Podgorica i što za Vas predstavlja nagrada za menadžera godine u preduzećima koja su u većinskom vlasništvu države?
BOZOVIC: I have been at the helm of Deponija doo Podgorica since October 2023. Considering that two and a half years have passed and that numerous good results have been achieved, goals have been achieved and the company's business standard has been raised, I believe that the award comes at the right time. The recognition awarded to me by the Association of Managers of Montenegro represents not only a personal honor, but also confirmation that the dedication, responsible management and results that we achieve together in the company have real value and are recognized in the professional community. For me, this recognition is confirmation that strategy, transparency and teamwork are not abstract concepts, but foundations and leading values that bring progress, success and long-term results.
Kao prvi nagrađeni menadžer iz oblasti komunalnih djelatnosti, kako vidite značaj ovog priznanja za sektor koji često nije u fokusu javnosti?
BOZOVIC: Such awards have a broader significance for the business community, as they promote values such as professionalism, responsibility and sustainable business. When examples of successful management and good business practices are recognized and rewarded, a clear message is sent about setting the boundaries of standards and excellence. In this way, such awards encourage managers and companies to continuously improve their business, invest in employee development and contribute to creating a healthier, more successful and more competitive business environment.
Vaše rukovođenje Deponijom d.o.o. Podgorica donijelo je rast prihoda i dobiti – koji su ključni poslovni potezi najviše doprinijeli tim rezultatima?
BOZOVIC: I believe that my previous work experience contributed a lot. I spent 20 years in the private sector, working in multinational companies, where I learned that without dedication, discipline, effort, work and constant investment in personal development, there is no progress. When this is the starting point, the prerequisites for achieving better results are created. I did not deal with what I found, I did not waste time, I just wanted to look forward, and my team accepted that, so we invested our energy in constructive activities.
BOZOVIC: Speaking about the positive results of the company "Deponija" doo Podgorica, I believe that we give the will and encouragement to others to make a step forward. We often talk about the good cooperation we have with local governments, state institutions and the NGO sector and the importance of joint action and creating synergy, which is really necessary, given the complexity of the activity. In the previous period, we have undertaken a large number of activities related to selective waste collection. We are continuously improving the system of selective waste collection, with a special focus on glass, waste cooking oil and packaging material. While glass was previously disposed of and buried in sanitary vats, and cooking oil was often spilled in nature, today, thanks to our engagement, glass is carefully collected, sorted and sent for recycling, while waste oil is collected in specially designated containers for its safe processing. Dedicated bins for the collection of packaging waste (paper, cardboard, PVC and nylon foil) have been installed at several locations in the city. Legal entities are not allowed to dispose of packaging waste in standard municipal waste containers, but only in bins designated for this type of waste, thus complying with the rules of selective disposal and legal obligations. With these activities, "Deponija" doo Podgorica actively contributes to environmental protection, protecting soil and groundwater from pollution, while simultaneously transforming waste into valuable resources that are returned to production flows. This system represents a key step towards sustainable waste management, preservation of public spaces and promotion of environmentally responsible behavior among both entrepreneurs and citizens.
INVESTMENTS
U prethodnom periodu realizovane su značajne investicije – koje biste izdvojili kao najvažnije i kakav su konkretan efekat imale na rad kompanije?
BOZOVIC: In the previous period, the construction of sanitary tank number five according to European standards was completed, the value of which is about 2,000,000 euros. I believe that everyone understands the importance of this project, since we are one of two sanitary landfills in Montenegro, and all the others are uncontrolled landfills. In October 2025, a specialized machine for the treatment of waste tires was purchased and started operating. We will soon be exporting the first contingent of this type of waste. In the previous two years, about 4,000,000 euros have been invested in the purchase and modernization of equipment. Half of the funds were allocated from the budget of the Capital City of Podgorica, while we provided the other half from our own funds.
U kojoj mjeri su modernizacija opreme i unapređenje operativnih procesa doprinijeli većoj efikasnosti i stabilnosti poslovanja?
BOZOVIC: By investing in equipment, we were ready to be the bearers of large and demanding jobs of national importance, such as cleaning the Mareza River canal and destroying confiscated tobacco products. In addition to adequate mechanization, responsible, hardworking and dedicated employees of "Deponija" doo Podgorica contributed to the implementation of these projects at a high level. Participation in the implementation of these activities provides an incentive for the further development of the company.
BOZOVIC: As you say, it is complex and demanding, but success is also greater when a plan or a specific goal is achieved. We started with innovations and expansion of activities in order to survive, and we have shown that we can do much more and now we are just following that path.
Deponija sve više razvija projekte reciklaže i saradnje sa zajednicom – koliko ti segmenti danas učestvuju u ukupnom razvoju kompanije?
BOZOVIC: Recycling projects and community cooperation today represent one of the important pillars of the development of "Deponija" doo Podgorica and play an increasingly important role in the overall transformation of the company from a classic waste disposal system into a modern resource management center. Their participation is continuously growing through the development of a selective collection system and raising awareness of the importance of proper waste management, with the company increasingly using separated materials as valuable resources that are returned to production flows. At the same time, through cooperation with the economy, institutions and educational institutions, as well as through continuous education and organized tours of the plant, the recycling system is expanding and becoming part of everyday practice in the community. Thanks to all of the above, recycling and community cooperation are no longer accompanying activities, but an integral part of the business model that directly contributes to the development and modernization of the company.
Da li smatrate da Deponija d.o.o. Podgorica ima potencijal da u narednim godinama postane jedno od vodećih i najznačajnijih preduzeća u zemlji, i na čemu temeljite tu procjenu?
BOZOVIC: "Deponija" doo Podgorica already represents a key system for municipal waste management in Montenegro and has a clear potential to become one of the leading and most important companies in the country in the coming years. This assessment is based, first of all, on regional importance, given that the "Deponija" doo Podgorica system covers 10 municipalities and provides waste disposal for as much as 51 percent of the population of Montenegro. Such a position provides a strong and stable basis for further development and improvement of the waste management system at the national level. In addition, continuous investments in infrastructure, development of human, recycling and operational capacities, as well as the introduction of new technologies enable the transition from the traditional waste disposal model to a modern approach. A clearly defined development strategy, in line with European standards in the field of environmental protection, further confirms that "Deponija" doo Podgorica has the capacity to take an even more significant role in the development of a sustainable waste management system in Montenegro in the coming period.
Koji su ključni razvojni planovi kompanije u narednom periodu, posebno kada je riječ o novim ulaganjima i ekološkim standardima?
BOZOVIC: The key development plans of "Deponija" doo Podgorica in the coming period are aimed at further improving the waste management system through infrastructure modernization, increasing the level of recycling and harmonization with modern environmental standards. The focus is on new investments in the expansion and modernization of waste processing capacities, improving the selective collection system, as well as further strengthening technological capacities for the treatment of various types of waste. Special emphasis is placed on increasing the efficiency of existing facilities and introducing modern technological solutions that enable a higher degree of separation of secondary raw materials. In this context, a feasibility study has been carried out for a plant for the production of electricity from biogas, which opens up the possibility of waste valorization through energy production. Also, in cooperation with UNDP Montenegro, a study for the automation of the recycling center is underway, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of sorting and improving the quality of separated recyclable materials. At the same time, an important segment of development relates to the continuation of education and inclusion of citizens and businesses in the selective waste collection system, which further strengthens the circular resource management model.
Further development of the waste management system will be based on a selective collection system
U kontekstu održivog razvoja i cirkularne ekonomije, gdje vidite Deponiju i crnogorski sistem upravljanja otpadom u narednih pet do deset godina?
BOZOVIC: In the next five to ten years, "Deponija" doo Podgorica and the entire waste management system in Montenegro have a real potential for a significant step forward. Further development of the waste management system is expected, which will be based on a selective collection system, a significant increase in the recycling rate and a reduction in the amount of waste permanently disposed of in landfills. "Deponija" doo Podgorica will play the role of a regional center for waste management and the development of treatment capacities, with continuous improvement of technologies and the introduction of innovative solutions in the field of waste processing and valorization. At the same time, additional strengthening of institutional cooperation, education of citizens and involvement of the business sector will be key factors for the successful transformation of the system. In this sense, in the coming period, a gradual transition from a dominant landfill model to a modern waste management model, aligned with European standards and practices, is expected.
Professional development through numerous international and corporate programs
Aleksandar Božović was born in 1983 in Podgorica, where he completed primary and secondary school. He graduated from the Faculty of Business Economics - Management, and continued his professional development through numerous international and corporate programs in the fields of leadership, organizational management and business process development. With more than two decades of professional engagement in various sectors of the economy, he has built a reputation as a leader who successfully connects operational efficiency, strategic planning and team development. His professional experience includes team management, optimization and development of strategies and processes, as well as the implementation of modern corporate governance models. He gained knowledge and experience in multinational companies such as Coca Cola Hellenic Company and Delhaize Montenegro doo, where he dealt with market development, strategic establishment and maintenance of relationships with partners and management of sales teams.
As the President of the Board of Directors of Monteput doo, he was responsible for overseeing the implementation of capital projects, as well as actively participating in defining strategic directions. He makes a great contribution, and finds personal satisfaction, in developing the skills and abilities of the staff in his team.
Božović has been the Executive Director of the company "Deponija" doo Podgorica, which employs around 230 people, since October 2023. He is responsible for the strategic management of the company, planning and implementation of investment projects, the financial stability of the company and the improvement of environmental protection standards. During this time, financial indicators have recorded growth, operational capacities have been improved and continuous investments are being made in the modernization of equipment and environmental protection.
