Zagreb Residents Divided Over Underground Waste Bins Near Main Square

Zagreb is proceeding with the installation of underground waste containers near the prominent Ban Jelačić Square, a move that has ignited a lively debate among residents. While the city administration asserts that the chosen site has undergone rigorous technical and safety checks, many citizens express strong reservations.

“

They could have put them somewhere else. It's completely inappropriate, it's disfiguring the space. The waste stinks. They could have installed them somewhere in the courtyards of residential buildings. I'm sure people living around the square are happy, but what about the others?

Concerns voiced by residents primarily revolve around the aesthetic impact on the main city square and potential unpleasant odors. "It's disfiguring the main Zagreb square, and the waste will certainly cause unpleasant smells," commented one resident. Many feel the location is inappropriate for such an installation, questioning why alternative sites, perhaps within building courtyards, were not considered.

“

I don't like what they're doing, it doesn't belong in the city center. It's not appropriate for tourists either.

City officials, however, maintain that the location at Ilica 2 was the only viable option available after a multidisciplinary team evaluated numerous central city sites. They explained that underground containers can only be installed where existing underground and overhead infrastructure permits, such as gas, water, electrical, and telecommunications lines, as well as tram infrastructure. The chosen spot, they claim, satisfies all technical and safety conditions without compromising the structural integrity of surrounding buildings or infrastructure, and it adheres to the regulation of being within 200 meters for residents.

“

Maybe they could have camouflaged them somehow? I don't agree with the location they chose.

Despite the city's assurances, not all residents are opposed. One supporter, Ante Zrilić, praised the idea, highlighting the benefits of concealed waste, a locking mechanism, and easier emptying by trucks. He also noted that the containers are located adjacent to the square, not directly on it, and believes they help prevent issues like pigeons scattering trash. However, even he conceded that perhaps a location slightly further away might have been considered. The installation, which began last week, continues to be a topic of intense discussion.

“

I think this is a good thing. There is a locking mechanism, trucks empty them with ease, and the waste is hidden underground, so pigeons can't get to it and scatter it around. The containers aren't right on the square but next to it, the location is good in my opinion. Okay, maybe they could have put them 100 or 200 meters further away, but there has to be somewhere for containers.