Environmental Agency Orders Closure of Mostine Waste Dump

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a directive on September 29, 2024, mandating the Municipal Enterprise in Rozaje to cease all waste disposal and storage operations at the Mostine landfill. This decision aims to address immediate environmental hazards and reduce health risks for local residents. The Municipal Board has since requested the municipality to file an appeal to the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Tourism, the second-instance authority overseeing such matters.

The agency’s decision comes after an earlier resolution issued on May 29, 2024, which the Ministry previously annulled. Elvedin Zekic, the acting director of the Municipal Enterprise in Rozaje, described waste management as a complex and costly issue that extends beyond the municipality’s abilities.

Zekic explained that halting waste disposal necessitates identifying a new site, a task that cannot be rushed. “A town of 25,000 residents cannot operate without a landfill,” he stated. He noted the challenges of transporting waste to the sanitary landfill in Podgorica, particularly due to the lack of suitable vehicles. The potential solution includes establishing a transfer station and registering the landfill with waste collectors.

The Mostine landfill has been operational since June 2012, designated as a temporary site for solid waste disposal until a regional waste processing centre is constructed, in line with the national waste management plan. It has a history of accumulating at least 6,000 cubic meters of waste annually, without proper sorting.

Legal Framework and Operations

According to the Law on Waste Management, local governments are responsible for collecting and disposing of municipal waste. Zekic expressed the necessity of collaboration between both the municipality and the Ministry of Ecology to develop effective solutions. He emphasized the urgency for the establishment of a regional sanitary landfill for northern Montenegro, a concept discussed for decades but lacking significant progress.

The situation at Mostine has drawn attention from local communities, particularly from citizens represented by activist Denis Muric. In April 2024, Muric initiated a process to assess environmental damage at the site, prompting several protests from residents in nearby areas. These residents have repeatedly blocked the Rozaje – Spiljane road, demanding the closure of what they deem an ecological disaster.

Recent inspections revealed serious issues at the landfill, including the absence of waste sorting, inadequate fire safety measures, and a lack of oversight personnel. Following inspections, the agency confirmed that expired permits and inadequate regulations have allowed various types of waste—including hazardous materials—to be irresponsibly disposed of.

In response to community demands, a meeting was held on May 5, 2024, where it was determined that the Municipal Enterprise lacked the proper licenses for waste disposal. Recommendations were made to increase security measures at the site, including installing video surveillance and a scale for waste measurement.

Agency Intervention and Future Steps

Continuing its oversight, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a follow-up inspection on November 8, 2024. The findings indicated no significant improvements since prior visits, with the landfill remaining improperly secured and lacking essential facilities for waste management.

The agency’s recent decision to halt operations at Mostine underscores the urgency of addressing environmental concerns. Muric, representing the NGO Promjene, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s ruling, labeling it a victory for the community. “This decision confirms that the location is illegal and poses an immediate risk to the environment and public health,” he stated.

Muric called upon local authorities and relevant organizations to implement the agency’s resolution and begin the process of permanent remediation at the Mostine site. He urged Minister of Ecology Damjan Ćulafić to ensure compliance with the directive, as opposed to previously overturning such decisions.

“This is a victory for everyone who loves their town and refuses to accept injustice,” Muric concluded, highlighting the necessity for a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship in Rozaje.