Karepovac ostaje otvoren samo za splitski otpad

Split’s municipal waste landfill, Karepovac, will no longer accept waste from neighboring towns and municipalities starting August 1, 2026. This decision was confirmed by Split’s mayor, Tomislav Šuta, who stated that local authorities still sending waste to Karepovac have been given a deadline to find alternative solutions. The move comes after years of overuse, with the facility nearing its capacity and unable to accommodate the growing volume of waste from the region. Karepovac has long served as the primary waste disposal site for Split and several surrounding areas, including the towns of Solin, Kaštela, Omiš, Klis, Muć, Dugopolje, Seget, Baška Voda, Podstrana, Tučepi, Podgora, Lećevica, Brela, Dugi Rat, Šestanovac, and Zadvarje. Over 16 cities and municipalities rely on this single facility, which has been operating beyond its intended capacity. Some of these areas, such as the municipality of Muć, have already found alternative waste management solutions earlier this year, ahead of the announced capacity limits. Mayor Šuta emphasized that the closure of Karepovac to external waste is part of broader efforts to comply with European Union regulations on waste management. He noted that the opening of the new Waste Management Center in Lećevica is scheduled for 2028, leaving a critical gap in regional waste handling capabilities. In the interim, he stressed the need for increased separation rates of recyclable materials, aiming for a target of 55 percent. Currently, the city lags behind this goal, though progress has been steady over recent years. The rising costs of waste collection and treatment have become increasingly apparent, prompting warnings of potential price hikes for residents. Mayor Šuta pointed to the growing financial burden of managing waste, particularly as traditional methods become less viable. He reiterated that the cost of waste services will likely increase, and this trend is expected to continue unless more waste is properly sorted and recycled. To achieve the 55 percent recycling target, Šuta highlighted the importance of changing public behavior. He called for greater community involvement and education, emphasizing that individual actions, such as separating paper and plastic, are essential to achieving sustainability goals. He personally encourages citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits, noting that younger generations seem more receptive to these changes. “Education, education, and education,” he said, stressing that behavioral change must begin at home. In addition to addressing immediate operational challenges, the city is working to align with EU standards, which require stricter waste management practices. These rules mandate higher levels of waste sorting and reduced reliance on landfills. As a result, Split faces pressure to modernize its systems quickly while ensuring continued service for all residents. The transition will involve both infrastructure upgrades and public engagement campaigns aimed at reducing waste volumes and improving recycling efficiency. The closure of Karepovac marks a turning point for the region’s waste management strategy. With limited alternatives available until 2028, local governments must act swiftly to implement sustainable solutions. The success of this initiative will depend on cooperation among municipalities, investment in new facilities, and widespread public participation in waste reduction and recycling efforts. As the city moves forward, the challenge remains clear: to balance environmental responsibility with practical, affordable waste management options for all communities.