No matter how much we may like to believe that the practice of burning waste on private and public property is behind us, reality unfortunately proves otherwise every single day. During the winter months, particularly in rural areas and on the islands, Sunce’s Green Phone continues to receive a large number of reports of illegal household waste burning by private individuals. Legal entities are no better when it comes to improper waste management and waste incineration. Regardless of who the offender is, the solution must be the immediate cessation of these harmful practices, which primarily endanger our own health and well-being. To put an end to them, we must first raise awareness of their enormous environmental and public health impact.
Burning waste directly threatens the health of people and animals, pollutes air, water, and soil, and disrupts the delicate ecological balance. Every time someone sets waste on fire, toxic substances are released into the air we breathe, affecting the entire community. The reasons for burning waste vary. Most people do so out of ignorance, while others act out of negligence or simply a lack of willingness to dispose of waste in a lawful and safe manner. The outcome, however, is always the same: damage borne by everyone.
Why is waste burning dangerous to people, animals, and the environment?
During waste combustion, a wide range of highly hazardous substances is released. Among the most harmful are dioxins, furans, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen chloride; gases associated with severe respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and various forms of cancer. Dioxins are particularly dangerous because they persist in the environment for decades, accumulate in human and animal tissues, and cause immune system disorders, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
Emissions from burning also contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. These substances can cause neurological disorders, kidney damage, and immune system impairment. By settling into soil and water, they enter the food chain, further endangering human health and ecosystem stability. Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream and poses a particular risk to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses. It is directly linked to rising cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases.
The release of acidic gases during combustion leads to the formation of acid rain, which damages soil, hinders plant growth, and causes significant harm to aquatic ecosystems. Over time, these processes alter natural cycles and reduce biodiversity.
In addition, the toxic ash left behind after burning poses another serious threat. It contaminates soil and water, undermines agriculture, and can pollute drinking water sources, thereby jeopardizing food safety and public health. The long-term presence of heavy metals and toxic residues in the environment destroys ecosystems, worsens air quality, and directly diminishes the quality of life in the community.
For all these reasons, burning waste is not only illegal and irresponsible, but also extremely dangerous to public health, the environment, and future generations. It is essential to apply prescribed waste management measures, use safe and sustainable methods, and continuously educate citizens about the harmful consequences of this practice.
The law strictly prohibits waste burning in all forms
Burning waste is considered a serious violation of the law and may result in fines, administrative measures, or, in more severe cases, imprisonment. Under the Waste Management Act, it is prohibited to burn waste in the environment, burn waste at sea, conduct uncontrolled burning of plant waste, or burn separately collected waste intended for recycling or reuse. These provisions leave very little room for exceptions.
Any person who fails to comply with waste management regulations commits an offense. Private individuals who burn waste may face fines ranging from €398 to €1,328. This means that in yards, gardens, undeveloped building land, and other areas adjacent to public spaces, burning any type of waste is prohibited and directly exposes the offender to financial liability.
In addition to misdemeanor penalties, the law also provides for criminal offenses related to hazardous or larger quantities of waste. In such cases, legal entities may face prison sentences ranging from six months to five years for any conduct that significantly endangers air, soil, water, the sea, plant and animal life, or human health.
These fines and penalties clearly demonstrate that the state considers waste burning and improper waste management to be serious threats to the environment and public health. The penalties are strict because the consequences can be long-lasting, dangerous, and often irreversible.
What can you do if you notice someone burning waste on public or private property?
Misdemeanors committed by private individuals are supervised by municipal wardens, while environmental protection inspectors are responsible for overseeing legal entities. The law grants them clear and extensive authority. Avoiding identification or cooperation with the competent authorities is not possible.
What should you keep in mind when reporting?
- Record the date and time.
- Specify the location as precisely as possible (for example, an address or GPS coordinates).
- If possible, collect information about the offender.
- Take photographs or record the incident, if you feel safe doing so.
Where to report waste burning?
- If waste is being burned in a private household, contact your municipal warden. The warden is obliged, if necessary, to involve the police.
- If waste burning in open areas is carried out by a legal entity, report it to an environmental protection inspector. Reports may be submitted anonymously via the website of the State Inspectorate of the Republic of Croatia (DIRH).
- You can also call the Green Phone and report the case completely anonymously at +385 72 123 456. The call is charged at the same rate as any call within the T-Com HR fixed network. Reports may also be sent by email to [email protected].
The Green Phone team at Sunce receives reports from the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva Counties. After reviewing them, they forward cases to the competent institutions or advise you on whom to contact if you wish to initiate proceedings independently.
The purpose of the Green Phone is to encourage citizens to actively participate in environmental protection and to prompt competent institutions to resolve environmental issues effectively. In 2025, the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund is co-financing the project “Green Phone – Lend Your Voice to the Environment III!”
Report illegal waste burning to the competent authorities or to the Green Phone. Let us protect the health of our community and the environment together.
