MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH ENHANCED CONTROL

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 13 /SRNA/ – Municipal waste management in Republika Srpska falls under the jurisdiction of local self-government units, which are obliged to regularly collect and transport waste and maintain landfills through enhanced control, Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology Bojan Vipotnik told SRNA.

Vipotnik pointed out that in practice waste is often disposed of at illegal dumps formed by residents near populated areas, which poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. According to him, it is difficult to determine the exact number of illegal dumps, as some local self-government units regularly or occasionally carry out activities to clean and rehabilitate them. “The problem is that these sites become filled with waste again or new locations are formed, which indicates the need for a systemic approach and enhanced control,” Vipotnik emphasized. He explained that solving the illegal dumps issue requires a combination of several measures, including the consistent application of legal provisions in cities and municipalities, regular removal and remediation of existing illegal dumps, and continuous utility and inspection oversight. One of the measures is ensuring adequate infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, as well as strengthening cooperation between utility companies and relevant institutions. He says it is equally important to consider how to encourage the public to take the importance of proper waste disposal more seriously, which is a long-term process requiring education and information about the harmful effects of irresponsible waste disposal, the benefits of recycling, and the importance of environmental protection. “Accessible infrastructure is also important, namely containers for separate collection, recycling yards, and organised collection campaigns. When the system is simple and accessible, resident participation increases significantly,” Vipotnik said. He also reminded that local communities and utility companies must actively work on communication with the population and ensure that services are regular and of high quality. Vipotnik further explained that special categories of waste are those which, due to their composition, quantity, or hazardous properties, require a controlled management system separate from municipal waste. Special categories of waste include used car and other batteries, waste oils, tires and vehicles, as well as waste from electrical and electronic products. A special set of rules applies to them, and manufacturers and importers pay an environmental pollution fee to ensure a financial basis for their collection and treatment. “By establishing this system, it is expected that within a very short period the level of separate collection and the percentage of waste recycling in Republika Srpska will increase,” Vipotnik stated. He said that the Ministry will continue to provide professional and coordination support to all local communities in improving municipal waste management, with the aim of protecting the environment and public health.