Prishtina Municipality fined 5,000 euros over waste management issues

The Environmental Inspectorate has fined the Prishtina Municipality 5,000 euros for failing to fulfill legal responsibilities regarding bulky waste and soil landfills. Fitore Pacolli, the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, announced that bulky waste was found outside the designated landfill area at the “Gjelbër” landfill and surrounding spaces. Pacolli stated that despite repeated notifications, the Inspection Directorate had not taken necessary measures, emphasizing that institutions must lead by example in environmental protection.

Bekim Brestovci, the Director of Inspection for the Municipality of Prishtina, has challenged the fine, calling it unlawful. Brestovci requested clarification from Minister Pacolli regarding the infrastructure available for the collection, treatment, and recycling of bulky and construction waste. He questioned the lack of authorized spaces for waste disposal and asked for the locations and capacities of existing facilities to be made public. Additionally, Brestovci raised concerns regarding landfill operating hours, noting that facilities close at midnight, which complicates waste management for businesses and services operating during the night.