Croatian town's citizen uprising against illegal toxic waste dumping
Gospić residents lead national movement against environmental crime after years of government inaction
1Massive illegal dumping operation
Between 2022-2024, approximately 35,000 tonnes of waste - including hazardous materials - were illegally dumped at multiple sites near Gospić, Croatia. Residents reported nightly truck activity moving waste into an industrial site just 50 meters from homes. The scale became apparent when groundwater tests revealed PFAS 'forever chemicals' and elevated copper/lead levels in soil, creating serious health concerns for the community.
2Citizen-led surveillance campaign
Frustrated by authorities' inaction, Gospić residents organized night watches to document illegal dumping activities. They photographed trucks entering disposal sites, gathering evidence of the criminal network. Željka Šikić, a key organizer, emphasized the absurdity of citizens having to monitor environmental crimes themselves. This grassroots effort eventually forced law enforcement to pay attention to the long-running issue.
3International criminal network
In February 2025, Croatian police arrested 13 suspects including two high-value targets identified by Europol. The ring allegedly imported hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia and Germany, falsifying documents to claim materials were destined for recycling. Authorities estimate the operation generated over €4 million in profits while avoiding proper disposal costs. The case reveals how waste crime exploits regulatory gaps between EU nations.
4Health impacts and community fear
Detection of PFAS chemicals - linked to cancer and persistent in environments - has created widespread fear in Gospić. Many residents distrust official water safety assurances and now purchase bottled water. Šikić describes feeling trapped, unable to sell her waste-adjacent home. The health consequences have transformed what began as a nuisance into an existential threat for the community.
5Movement goes national
The 'Gospić is Our Home' campaign expanded from local protests to a 40,000-person demonstration in Zagreb. Organizers deliberately recruited professionals from diverse fields to address the complex legal, environmental and health dimensions. The movement now receives daily calls from other Croatian communities facing similar waste crises, highlighting systemic failures in national environmental enforcement.
6European waste crime epidemic
Gospić's situation reflects a broader crisis - the UN estimates 15-30% of EU waste shipments are illegal. Similar dumping occurs across Croatia while investigations reveal contaminated sites in Turkey, a major destination for UK waste exports. Criminal networks exploit regulatory differences and enforcement gaps between nations, turning waste disposal into a lucrative black market industry.
7Government response falls short
Despite opening procurement procedures for waste removal, Croatian authorities have left contaminated sites untouched for four years. This delay has fueled public anger and eroded trust. Campaigners demand comprehensive remediation, urgent waste removal, and inclusion of all known hotspots in national strategy. The gap between bureaucratic processes and environmental urgency continues to widen.
8Brussels-bound protest plans
With local options exhausted, the movement plans protests at the European Parliament, seeking EU-level intervention. Organizer Ivana Rukavina Sarić states: 'We've lost so much time, we don't have time for more promises.' The case tests EU mechanisms for holding member states accountable on environmental enforcement while highlighting citizen activism's growing role in environmental justice.