Illegal waste dumping resurfaces in Serbia and Croatia despite cleanup efforts

Illegal waste disposal continues to plague various locations in Serbia and Croatia, despite recent cleanup efforts and local government interventions.

In Veliki Radinci, Serbia, a previously remediated and fenced landfill site near an old brickyard has once again become a dumping ground. Local community council president Miloš Kekić reported that plastic and biodegradable waste, including car parts, are being dumped under the cover of night. Officials state the waste is being brought in from outside the village and that municipal inspectors are working to identify and penalize the perpetrators.

Similarly, in Rijeka, Croatia, a site at Pehlin near a recycling yard has seen massive accumulations of waste only months after a major cleanup in March. The illegal dumping, primarily involving large waste from citizens and companies in the Rijeka area, causes significant costs for the city budget and the utility company Čistoća. Despite the installation of video surveillance and ramps years ago, offenders have reportedly found ways to bypass or damage the equipment to continue illegal dumping.