Zagreb Residents Claim Overflowing Recycling Yards Amidst Shredder Malfunction; Holding Denies Problem

Residents in Zagreb are voicing concerns over overflowing recycling yards and the accumulation of illegally dumped waste, pointing to a malfunctioning shredder for bulky waste as the likely cause. A neighborhood initiative, "Špansko za svakog," shared images on Facebook showing a recycling yard in Špansko packed with waste, with additional piles left near the entrance. According to a recycling yard employee cited by the initiative, the city's only shredder for bulky waste has been out of order for about twenty days and is undergoing repairs abroad. The employee suggested that even after its return, it could take up to a week to normalize the situation, indicating that the problem is not isolated to Špansko. This situation has led to most recycling yards in Zagreb either refusing or struggling to accept bulky waste, causing it to pile up. Citizens are reportedly leaving waste next to the yards due to the lack of capacity. However, Zagrebački Holding has refuted these claims, stating that recycling yards managed by its Čistoća branch are regularly accepting bulky waste. Regarding the waste pictured outside the Špansko yard, the company described it as improperly disposed of and confirmed that municipal authorities have issued an order for its removal, which will be acted upon promptly.

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Citizens are asking us more and more often what is happening and when the problem will be solved. We still haven't received an answer from the City, so we talked to a recycling yard employee.