Nexe cement plant faces protests over Gospić waste incineration

Protests have erupted in Našice as citizens oppose the incineration of waste from Gospić at the Nexe cement plant. Approximately 100 demonstrators gathered to protest what they term ‘ecocide,’ citing increased odors and micro-dust in the area.

Nexe management has confirmed the energy recovery of four shipments of waste from the PPK Velebit site in Gospić over the last two weeks. The company maintains that independent laboratory analyses have verified the material as non-hazardous shredded plastic. Nexe states that the process follows strict environmental permits, using the waste as an alternative fuel in rotary kilns, and that continuous emission monitoring shows results remain within legal limits.

Broader concerns regarding waste management systems have been raised by political figures and experts. In Velika Gorica, officials have warned of increased truck traffic near the Mraclinska Dubrava landfill, while in Donji Miholjac, representatives have called for inspections following reports of large quantities of waste being stored outside of authorized areas. Experts distinguish the regulated industrial use of waste in cement plants from the illegal dumping incidents reported elsewhere in the country.