Waste containers have been installed in the center of Zagreb, and we've checked for them in the main squares of nearby metropolises.

New underground waste containers have been installed in the heart of Zagreb, sparking debate among residents and city officials. The installation took place near the intersection of Ban Jelačić Square and Ilica Street, a prominent location in the city's central area. The move has drawn criticism from some locals who argue that even subterranean bins disrupt the visual harmony of one of Zagreb’s most iconic public spaces. According to reports, five openings have been cut into a new concrete structure, suggesting that these will house underground containers for mixed household waste, food waste, paper and cardboard packaging, plastic, and glass. Metal posts with hydraulic lids will allow waste to be deposited into the containers buried beneath the ground. The decision to install such bins in the central square has ignited discussions over whether they are appropriate for historic urban centers. While some argue that the bins will help maintain cleanliness while preserving the square's aesthetic appeal, others believe their presence, however discreet, detracts from the visual integrity of the space. Social media platforms have become a battleground for opposing views, with critics emphasizing the symbolic significance of the square and its proximity to the monument of Ban Josip Jelačić. Despite the controversy, similar systems exist in other European cities. For example, Madrid features underground waste containers on Plaza de Santa Ana. An analysis published by the international network of cities and regions, ACR+, notes that underground and semi-underground waste systems are widely used in European capitals and their urban cores. These systems often include fully buried hydraulic platforms level with the ground, with only discreet access pillars protruding above the surface. Semi-underground versions are more common in pedestrian zones and densely populated areas. In Vienna, the central Stephansplatz does not feature underground waste containers, relying instead on standard bins. Similarly, Prague’s Staroměstské náměstí and Munich’s Marienplatz lack such installations. In Ljubljana, the main Prešernov Square does not have underground containers either, though several can be found along nearby Čop Street. Budapest, which lacks a single central square, has three major ones, Vörösmarty Square, Erzsébet Square, and Deák Ferenc Square. None of these feature underground bins, though a few plastic containers for waste are visible at Deák Ferenc Square, which serves as a key transit point for the metro system. In Italian cities, both Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and Trieste’s Piazza Unità d'Italia were examined using Google Street View. Neither featured underground waste containers, relying instead on traditional bins. The absence of such systems in these locations raises questions about their necessity in Zagreb's central square, particularly given the historical and cultural significance of the site. City planners and environmental advocates continue to defend the initiative, arguing that the bins will contribute to a cleaner environment and encourage proper waste segregation. However, opponents remain unconvinced, insisting that alternative solutions should be explored before altering the character of such a historically significant space. As the debate continues, the city council is expected to provide further clarification on the long-term plans for waste management in Zagreb's central districts.