A vehicle with the message "Old batteries, boilers, washing machines, refrigerators..." patrols the streets in the early morning hours, and residents are wondering if the collector has a permit for the noise, not just for the waste.
Residents of Crikvenica have been listening to the well-known message from the loudspeaker of a vehicle collecting old metal waste for months. This morning, a local resident filmed the vehicle passing by at 7:30 AM and posted the video in the Facebook group Quo vadis Crikvenica, asking if anyone can put an end to it.
Along with the video, the resident wrote: "This morning at seven-thirty. And it's like this almost every day. Can anyone put a stop to this? The police say they can't if he has a permit for waste collection. Does he have a permit to disturb the whole of Crikvenica?" The post quickly sparked a debate, with opinions among Crikvenica residents divided.
A certain number of locals are bothered by the loud announcement broadcast through the streets via speakers, especially in the early morning hours. On the other hand, some people don't see it as a major nuisance and emphasize that this way, collectors help residents get rid of old appliances and metal waste.
The key question raised in the comments is whether a permit for waste collection also entails the right to use a loudspeaker without any restrictions. The collection of metal and other waste is permitted to individuals and companies that meet the conditions prescribed by the Waste Management Act.
However, the use of a loudspeaker is a separate issue that falls under regulations on noise protection, public order, and local communal ordinances. The Noise Protection Act defines measures to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of noise, while local authorities can further regulate behavior in public places through their own bylaws.
Therefore, the mere fact that someone has the right to collect waste does not automatically answer the question of whether they may use a loud loudspeaker in a residential area at 7:30 AM. Residents who believe their peace is being disturbed can contact the relevant services of the City of Crikvenica, especially the communal inspection, providing the location and time of the vehicle's appearance.
If there is suspicion about the legality of the waste collection process itself, the State Inspectorate is responsible for that. The police can be notified of behavior that residents believe constitutes a violation of public order and peace.
Judging by the debate among Crikvenica residents, the vehicle with the well-known recorded message represents a practical way for some to get rid of old appliances, while others would prefer to start their morning without an invitation to hand over boilers, batteries, and washing machines. The question remains open as to where permissible business activity ends and residents' right to peace begins, especially when the loudspeaker is heard on the streets as early as the morning hours.
