Thousands rally in Croatia demanding urgent cleanup of toxic waste from a town
Summary
Thousands of people protested in Croatia because hazardous waste was illegally dumped in the town of Gospic and has not yet been cleaned up. Authorities arrested suspects connected to the crime, but locals are worried about their health and want the government to act fast and stop similar waste imports.Key Facts
- The protest took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on September 5, 2026, with thousands demanding urgent cleanup.
- About 37,000 metric tons of hazardous waste remain buried at an abandoned industrial site in Gospic.
- The waste includes electronic equipment, plastics, construction materials, and medical waste.
- Authorities arrested 13 people suspected of illegal waste import and disposal, with Europol estimating €4 million in profits.
- Tests found heavy metals and PFAS “forever chemicals” in the soil and groundwater at the site.
- Protesters want a clear cleanup plan with deadlines and an immediate ban on waste imports.
- Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK is investigating the illegal dumping, including a Croatian company linked to toxic waste burial.
- The government says investigations and cleanup are in progress, but locals say no hazardous waste has been removed yet.
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