The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Green Transition announced on Friday that the public consultation on the amendments to the Waste Management Act had concluded. The new rules introduce GPS tracking of vehicles, video surveillance, and regular inspections of sites, while granting wider powers to the relevant authorities.
The Ministry states that the aim of the amendments is to establish a more effective and responsible system, with a stronger state response to illegal waste disposal. Stricter conditions for carrying out activities are introduced, along with clearer personal and asset liability. Companies found to be in breach of regulations will face restrictions on their operations.
"The proposed legislative amendments strengthen the responsibility of all participants, introduce stricter oversight of waste flows, and provide the relevant authorities with effective tools to ensure that illegal waste management is detected in a timely manner, sanctioned effectively, and prevented," Minister Marija Vučković said.
Among the key changes are the expansion of the eONTO registry, expert oversight, and the possibility of banning the import or export of waste. In the event of illegal shipments, the state will be able to seize the shipment, the vehicle, and the equipment to ensure the recovery of disposal costs.
Municipalities and cities will also receive more concrete instruments. With the support of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, they will be able to remove illegally dumped waste more quickly and charge the associated disposal costs.
Concurrently, remediation of contaminated sites is ongoing. For the PP Velebit site in Gospić, the fund has launched two procurement procedures. The first phase of remediation is valued at €4.7 million excluding VAT, with the removal of waste stored in bags costing €400,000.
A call for tenders for the completion of the Sovjak pit remediation, one of the most complex environmental projects in the country, has also been published. Bids for the waste removal in Poznanac and Samobor are currently being assessed.
