Mining industry in R. N. Macedonia has a great importance in the national economy. It is represented by around 3% in the GDP of the country. There is active exploitation of metallic, non-metallic and energetic mineral resources. As a result, large quantities of extractive waste are produced, stored in form of tailings dams, soil spoils and waste rock dumps. This paper deals with general overview on the current extractive waste management practices and disposal in the R. N. Macedonia. Some cases of unsustainable management in the past are described, as well as several new ongoing and prospective projects. Special emphasis is given on the national regulations related to the treatment and storing of extractive waste, and the issues with their practical implementation. Continuous experiences indicate the need for improvement of the legislation, which in the final will enable more reliable, effective and safer disposal of the extractive wastes. Certain aspects related to the re-use and recycling of the extractive waste in the circular economy are also briefly discussed.