Croatia clarifies waste import regulations and volumes

The Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has addressed concerns regarding the import of hazardous waste, stating that the country does not allow unrestricted imports. According to official data, annual waste imports have stabilized at approximately 871,255 tons.

Of this total, the vast majority—about 864,000 tons—is non-hazardous waste, including metal, paper, cardboard, and wood, which domestic companies process as secondary raw materials. Hazardous waste accounts for a significantly smaller portion, totaling approximately 7,100 tons.

Data from the 2024 report on cross-border waste movement shows that 64 percent of imported waste originates from EU member states, 2 percent from non-EU OECD countries, and 34 percent from third countries. Conversely, Croatia exported 961,442 tons of waste, with 59 percent going to EU members and 35 percent to non-EU OECD countries. The Ministry emphasized that imports are only permitted for waste that can be processed using existing capacities and technologies in authorized facilities, following all environmental and health protection measures.