Drava River threatened by illegal waste dumping near Varaždin

Illegal waste disposal sites have emerged in the forested areas near Varaždin, Croatia, posing a significant threat to the Drava River. Accumulated debris includes old televisions, plastic, furniture, construction materials, diapers, and asbestos sheets.

Local resident Ivor Fischer has reported these sites multiple times to authorities and waste management services, including through official online reporting platforms, but claims there has been no concrete response. Fischer warns that rising water levels could wash the waste directly into the Drava River and spread it throughout the surrounding forest.

The issue is reportedly linked to individuals using social media to offer bulk waste removal services, who then illegally dump the materials in nature to avoid costs. Residents express concern that the lack of enforcement and the growing volume of waste will eventually result in high cleanup costs for the community.