Waste management and illegal dumping issues spark regional concern

Waste management and illegal dumping issues are causing significant environmental and political concern across the region. In Croatia, officials are addressing severe contamination in Gospić, where experts have confirmed the presence of PFAS, microplastics, and hazardous waste in groundwater. Deputy Prime Minister Branko Bačić announced that the government will bypass public procurement to fast-track the removal of non-hazardous waste and begin covering buried toxic waste before autumn rains to prevent further leaching.

In Varaždin, Hrvatske vode (Croatian Waters) reports receiving frequent citizen reports regarding illegal landfills. Investigations have confirmed large quantities of heterogeneous waste and microplastics in the area, raising concerns about potential flood-related spread of pollutants. Meanwhile, in Mursko Središte, local authorities are battling illegal waste burning that has caused numerous fires.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the municipality of Travnik has completed the first phase of a new waste management center in Slimena. The project, which has seen an investment of approximately 2.5 million KM, functions as a transfer station to reduce costs and improve efficiency by consolidating waste before transport.