📋 Tender Overview
In Slovenia, the amount of grave candles has almost halved in the last decade, from 6,856 tons in 2010 to 3,610 tons in 2024. The quantities have been maintained in recent years, which indicates greater environmental awareness among residents and responsible behavior on Memorial Day.In 2024, approximately 3,610 tons of grave candles were placed on the market, which is almost 48 percent less than in 2010, when there were 6,856 tons. Compared to 2023, when there were 3,544 tons, the amount remains at a similar level. On All Souls' Day, when visits to cemeteries increase significantly, the most waste candles are also generated. If we take into account the average weight of a new candle (430 grams), we purchased approximately 8.4 million candles in Slovenia in 2024, or 3.9 candles per capita. This still places us among the top European countries in terms of consumption, along with Croatia, Poland and Austria. Waste grave candles are collected separately at cemeteries and in their immediate vicinity. The system includes both classic paraffin and electronic candles with batteries, regardless of the material of the casing - plastic, metal or glass. The management of waste candles is regulated by the Regulation on Waste Grave Candles, which sets out a system of extended producer responsibility. Producers and importers must ensure, at their own expense, the collection and processing of all waste candles generated in Slovenia. Although waste grave candles are not hazardous waste in themselves, their improper collection, storage or processing can still cause undesirable environmental impacts and the generation of additional waste. It is important that even recyclable candles are properly collected and handed over to authorised operators with an environmental permit. Only in this way can the materials from waste candles be reused and at the same time negative impacts on the environment be prevented. The waste candle management system in Slovenia operates effectively. In 2023, the environmental targets were exceeded, as 80.3 percent of all collected candles were processed and recycled, which significantly exceeds the required targets set out in the regulation. Since 2024, two waste candle processing operators have been operating in Slovenia, which increases the stability of the system and reduces the risk of waste accumulation. The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy does not want to discourage the purchase of candles or encourage the use of individual types during the upcoming holidays, but rather calls on cemetery visitors to consider sustainable behavior. Each type of candle has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial that all waste candles are properly collected after use and handed over to contractors with the necessary permits. Visitors can also opt for more environmentally friendly forms of memorials, such as potted plants, natural arrangements or candles with the possibility of refilling or without PVC casings. Objects that replace candles - for example, painted stones, wooden souvenirs or other more durable forms of memorials - are not waste candles and should be disposed of in appropriate containers for other types of waste or reused. By acting responsibly, we maintain the respectful tradition of remembering the deceased and at the same time contribute to a cleaner environment and smaller amounts of waste.
