Analysis of the Causes of the Formation of Illegal Landfills in the Bosnian Podrinje Canton and Recommendations for Their Reduction
Sendžana Muslić*, Ermina Memišević Imširović and Samir Đug
ABSTRACT
The problem of illegal (wild) landfills in the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton represents a serious environmental and public health issue. Such landfills are predominantly located near forest and aquatic ecosystems, as well as in close proximity to residential areas, thereby increasing the risk of fires, flooding, and environmental contamination, which may also endanger the health of the local population of the Canton.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the key reasons for the formation of illegal landfills in the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton. The results indicate that the most common causes of their emergence are primarily the lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas of the Canton. In addition, the absence of recycling facilities, insufficient control and shortcomings in legislation, as well as a low level of public awareness, significantly contribute to this problem.
The conducted analysis revealed that approximately two-thirds of illegal landfills are located along the course of the Drina River and its tributaries, as well as within water protection zones, which substantially increases the risk of water pollution and degradation of aquatic and forest ecosystems. Around 60% of these landfills are situated on steep terrain, which further complicates access and remediation efforts.
Risks such as fires (68%), flooding (23%), and potential threats to public health due to infectious diseases make this situation even more serious. The identified and analyzed illegal landfills in the Canton are mostly over two decades old, with the oldest existing for more than 30 years, indicating long-term environmental degradation.
The proposed solutions include the establishment of a regional sanitary landfill and the introduction of a more efficient waste management system, encompassing improvements in communal infrastructure, enhanced cooperation between public utility companies and inspection authorities in the municipalities of Foča–Ustikolina, Goražde, and Pale–Prača, as well as continuous education of citizens and primary school students on proper waste management practices.
The implementation of these measures could significantly reduce the number of illegal landfills and improve environmental conditions in the area, thereby reducing the risks of pollution and threats to the health of the local population.
