The government has submitted amendments to the Waste Management Act for the first reading in Parliament, which tighten oversight of waste management. As explained by the Minister of Environment Protection Marija Vučković, the focus is on preventing illegal actions, full traceability of waste flows, actual financial responsibility of polluters, effective work, and coordination of competent authorities and local units. She stated that a stronger, more transparent, and enforceable system of waste management oversight is being introduced.
– The aim of these amendments is to prevent illegal handling of waste, enhance oversight of those managing waste, and ensure that it is known who is responsible for each phase of waste handling – said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, noting that the law has been in preparation for some time and was not adopted as a reaction to the current waste situation in Gospić.
The amendments introduce mandatory and continuous video surveillance of locations where waste is managed, more systematic controls based on risk levels, and a better digital system for tracking waste flows. The powers of competent authorities are also strengthened, including the possibility of temporarily detaining and confiscating shipments, waste, vehicles, and equipment.
– Practice has shown the need for stronger controls at locations where waste is disposed of and for faster and more effective execution of all ordered measures. Key innovations in the proposed law relate to preventing illegal waste management, establishing a list of persons prohibited from managing waste. The ban is linked not only to legal entities but also to responsible and related persons, thereby reducing the possibility of continuing the same activity through another company and repeating mistakes – said Minister Vučković, adding that locations with non-hazardous waste will be subject to oversight at least once a year, while locations with hazardous waste will be monitored at least twice a year.
