Slovak municipalities propose using social benefits for waste management

The Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia (ZMOS) is seeking state assistance to address the costs of illegal waste sites. Jozef Božik, president of ZMOS, has proposed a modification to the social benefit system. The proposal suggests that a portion of social benefits could be redirected to cover waste management costs, particularly in municipalities with large marginalized Roma communities where residents often struggle to pay waste collection fees.

ZMOS intends to negotiate this proposal with the ministries of labor, finance, and environment, aiming for a potential implementation by January 1, 2027. Additionally, Alexander Daško, the government commissioner for Roma communities, emphasized the need for increased funding to eliminate existing illegal landfills and expressed hope for cooperation with the government and the European Commission.