Total chaos in the recycling yards of Zagreb, citizens in big trouble!

A small group of opposition politicians gathered in Banovina today, expressing frustration over what they describe as a growing crisis in waste management. Jakov Prkić, Marinko Biškić, and Danijel Kukoč criticized the city council for focusing on business operations related to "Čistoća," the local sanitation company, instead of addressing pressing issues such as waste collection and disposal. They argued that the council should prioritize discussions on waste management rather than revisiting past decisions under previous administrations, which are currently under investigation by the State Audit Office (DORH). Biškić stated that it would have been more meaningful for the city council to discuss waste and its collection, not just "Čistoća," but also Lećevice, which he described as a far greater issue than the one the current administration seems intent on discussing. He suggested that the council's decision to hold the meeting was likely politically motivated, aiming to criticize the former government based on certain details. Prkić pointed out that many who followed the situation with waste management had already realized that the former director of "Čistoća" had purchased equipment unsuitable for the city’s needs. Specifically, he mentioned the purchase of a biostabilizer intended to reduce the amount of organic waste at Karepovac. However, this investment has failed due to lack of proper infrastructure and planning. Prkić compared the situation to buying a bed without a house permit, emphasizing that the machine now sits unused in "Čistoća." When asked whether today's meeting could result in any concrete conclusions, given that the topic is under investigation by DORH, Prkić said that nothing meaningful could be achieved through the discussion. He noted that the meeting was called by the ruling party using the signatures of a third of the council members, which could have been done without the meeting itself. He added that the majority's strength would become clear soon but emphasized that he would not have organized such a meeting if he were in their position. Kukoč expressed shame over the repeated calls for meetings and press conferences on topics related to "Čistoća," Karepovac, Lećevice, and overall waste management. He argued that elected officials should focus on solving problems rather than holding populist meetings on issues over which they have no authority to decide, as these matters fall under other institutions. In Zagreb, residents living near Martinovka are experiencing severe waste accumulation. One resident described the area as being overwhelmed with trash, with containers overflowing and litter scattered around them. She noted that there are too few bins for the number of people and cafes in the neighborhood. Another resident highlighted the presence of numerous buildings and fluctuating population, adding that the area includes both residential and commercial spaces, leading to large amounts of restaurant waste. A local café owner, Marija, explained that the lack of regular waste collection has led to birds scavenging through the trash, spreading waste throughout the neighborhood. Student Ana also mentioned that she notices waste daily and finds it increasingly frustrating. Residents attempted to dispose of bulky items at recycling centers but found them full. According to reports, nearly all recycling centers in Zagreb have faced similar issues, with capacities filled due to the absence of waste collection trucks. A resident attempting to bring old furniture to a mobile recycling center near her home was told the facility was 80% full and unable to accept any new items. The official website of Zagreb City Holding does not mention any suspension of waste collection or issues with the pickup process. Residents contacted multiple recycling centers across Zagreb, finding most either unreachable or informing them that the facilities were full. Some centers indicated that they could still accept smaller items but were unable to handle bulky waste, including sofas, wooden boards, or carpets. Employees at some recycling centers warned that the problem extends beyond bulky waste, with several sites also struggling with other types of waste. They emphasized that despite repeated requests, waste collection trucks have not arrived regularly. Some workers claimed that the situation is so dire that even minor items are difficult to accommodate. As citizens return home with unwanted furniture because they have nowhere to dispose of it, employees at recycling centers find themselves at a loss for solutions. The question remains unanswered: why aren't the waste collection trucks arriving, and when will this issue be resolved?