# Waste management and illegal dumping in the Balkans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-waste-disposal-in-croatia
> Updated: 2026-09-10T06:03:06.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 6.

Illegal waste disposal remains a persistent issue in Croatia and the wider Balkans. In addition to construction waste being abandoned in forests and roadsides in Kotoriba and Mraclin, new reports indicate that illegal dumping is resurfacing in several areas despite cleanup efforts. 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. Similarly, in Veliki Radinci, Serbia, a previously remediated landfill site has once again become a dumping ground. In the Gorski Kotar region, an abandoned structure at Ravno Podolje has become a massive illegal landfill. Recent expert findings near Varaždin confirmed zones of improperly disposed waste with high concentrations of microplastics in the groundwater.

Environmental risks have escalated with the discovery of 6,500 tons of hazardous waste at the former Kukalj quarry in Benkovac. USKOK investigations suggest an organized scheme involving the illegal importation of ground plastic and mixed waste from Slovenia and Italy. This waste contains heavy metals such as copper, lead, and antimony, with microplastics reportedly spreading 30 meters beyond the site. 

In response to contamination in Gospić and Benkovac, Deputy Prime Minister Branko Bačić announced that the government will bypass public procurement to fast-track the removal of non-hazardous waste and cover buried toxic materials before autumn rains to prevent further leaching. Meanwhile, in Varaždin, authorities are monitoring illegal landfills due to fears of flood-related pollutant spread, and in Mursko Središte, officials are battling illegal waste burning. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the municipality of Travnik has completed the first phase of a new waste management center in Slimena to improve regional efficiency.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Benkovac faces toxic waste crisis after illegal dumping discovery

Authorities are responding to the discovery of 6,500 tons of toxic waste, including microplastics and heavy metals, at a quarry in Benkovac, Croatia, following investigations into illegal waste imports.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benkovac-faces-toxic-waste-crisis-after-illegal-dumping-discovery

### 2026-09-09: Ravno Podolje site becomes illegal landfill in Gorski Kotar

An abandoned building at the Ravno Podolje scenic point in Croatia's Gorski Kotar region has been transformed into a massive illegal landfill, causing environmental concerns for local residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ravno-podolje-site-becomes-illegal-landfill-in-gorski-kotar

### 2026-09-08: Waste management and illegal dumping issues spark regional concern

Regional authorities are tackling waste crises, including illegal landfills in Croatia causing groundwater contamination and new waste management infrastructure developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-addresses-illegal-waste-sites-and-hazardous-waste-disposal-needs

### 2026-09-02: Illegal waste dumping resurfaces in Serbia and Croatia despite cleanup efforts

Illegal dumping persists in Veliki Radinci, Serbia, and Rijeka, Croatia, as new waste piles reappear shortly after local authorities conduct major cleanup operations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-waste-dumping-resurfaces-in-serbia-and-croatia-despite-cleanup-efforts

### 2026-08-31: Balkan waste management faces systemic challenges

Balkan nations face diverse waste management challenges, ranging from massive landfill volumes in Bosnia and Herzegovina to regulatory hurdles in Slovenia and processing capacity gaps in Croatia.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-faces-rising-issues-with-illegal-waste-disposal

### 2026-08-22: Drava River threatened by illegal waste dumping near Varaždin

Illegal dumping of electronics, plastic, and construction waste in forests near Varaždin threatens to pollute the Drava River as local reports to authorities have reportedly gone unaddressed.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drava-river-threatened-by-illegal-waste-dumping-near-varadin

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Cite as: Waste management and illegal dumping in the Balkans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-waste-disposal-in-croatia