Split has extended the temporary period during which other municipalities can continue depositing mixed communal waste at the Karepovac landfill until September 1, following a request from the city of Omiš. The decision was announced in a statement issued by the City of Split on Saturday, confirming that the previously set deadline, originally scheduled for August 21, has been postponed to September 1. This extension applies to all cities and municipalities that have used Karepovac for waste disposal so far, ensuring equal conditions for all users. The situation arose after Omiš’s waste trucks were temporarily blocked at the entrance to the already overfilled landfill on Monday. Despite this, the trucks were eventually allowed entry, along with all others. While Omiš residents know where their waste will be taken later, other municipalities still seek solutions. According to reports, the initial plan called for a transitional period for cities and municipalities to dispose of their waste at Karepovac to end by August 21, after which local self-governments would need to secure alternative locations for waste management. In its request, Omiš stated that it had timely undertaken preparatory measures to move away from Karepovac, including securing a new landfill in northern Croatia, completing a public procurement process for waste transportation, and preparing a temporary area for waste handling. However, due to the consequences of fires on Omiš territory, they currently lack the technical capacity to fully transition to the new location. As such, Omiš requested a temporary postponement of the earlier-established deadline and permission to continue using the local landfill until September 1. Split authorities confirmed in their Saturday announcement that they had accepted Omiš's request and decided to extend the transitional period for waste disposal at Karepovac until September 1. By that date, Omiš should have organized waste management at another location. The extension, according to officials from Split, applies to all cities and municipalities that have thus far deposited waste at Karepovac, ensuring equal conditions for all users. Split authorities emphasized that Karepovac is nearing its available capacity and that the city must ensure sufficient capacity for waste disposal from its territory. Municipalities and towns using Karepovac have been informed of deadlines for securing alternative waste management solutions and are expected to take measures to reduce the amount of mixed communal waste being deposited. Officials from Split reiterated that they remain committed to the decision to stop accepting waste from other cities and municipalities after the extended deadline expires, in order to preserve remaining capacities at Karepovac. The situation has caused frustration among some municipalities, particularly those struggling to find alternatives. “We’ve got no positive response from any other entity, and it concerns almost all municipalities along the Croatian coast,” said Emil Tomaš, director of the Podgorci Communal Enterprise. Meanwhile, Matea Dorčić, deputy mayor of Split, stressed that the issue is not one of understanding but rather a matter of capacity, stating, “We simply don’t have space for foreign mixed communal waste.” On Monday, Omiš’s trucks were initially blocked at the entrance to the overcrowded Karepovac landfill. They had planned to transport waste to Karlovac starting the day of the ban, but due to work related to the rehabilitation of the fire-affected area, they requested an extension. Zvonko Močić, mayor of Omiš, explained that he had spoken with Mr. Šut and that an agreement had been reached allowing them to continue operations for another week, which was apparently legally resolved in documents. There was a brief delay, but the issue was quickly resolved. Močić described the situation as a minor delay and frustration, adding, “I see this as everyone having good intentions and finally resolving it well. We’ll move forward.” While Omiš’s trucks were allowed into the facility, they can only do so until September 1, after which access will cease. Tomaš noted the difficulty of explaining to tourists that a municipal enterprise in the heart of the season is halting operations. While Omiš and others navigate their challenges, the Kaštelans have reportedly managed to reach agreements, highlighting the complexity and urgency of the situation.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Croatia
