Opatija to Pay Citizens Up to 250 Euros for Reporting Illegal Waste
New city ordinance proposes cash rewards for information leading to offenders, along with video surveillance and fines up to 1,320 euros
New city ordinance proposes cash rewards for information leading to offenders, along with video surveillance and fines up to 1,320 euros
The City of Opatija is preparing a new Ordinance on Preventing Waste Dumping that could introduce cash rewards for citizens who provide information about individuals illegally disposing of waste. The draft was sent to public consultation on August 18, 2026, and citizens can submit their proposals until September 16, 2026, as reported by Fiuman.hr.
According to the proposed ordinance, the maximum reward amount is 250 euros. To qualify, an individual must provide sufficiently detailed information that enables the identification of the offender, such as full name, company name, or vehicle license plate, along with evidence linking them to the illegally dumped waste. Acceptable evidence includes photographs, video recordings, signed witness statements, or other appropriate materials.
The person reporting would also need to commit in writing to testify in proceedings against the offender if required. The decision to grant a reward in each individual case would be made by the Mayor of Opatija through a special decision. The City emphasizes in its rationale that the purpose is not to publicly expose offenders' data but to encourage citizens to provide information through official channels, especially at locations where waste is frequently dumped illegally and where other measures have not yielded results.
The new ordinance is intended to replace the existing regulation from 2018 and align Opatija's rules with the current Waste Management Act. Preventive measures will continue to include public information campaigns, record-keeping, and video surveillance of locations with semi-underground containers and other problematic sites. Additionally, the installation of physical barriers, including ramps, barriers, and fences, is planned to prevent access to problematic locations.
Municipal inspectors would conduct field monitoring and record locations of illegally dumped waste. Once an offender is identified, a municipal inspector can issue a decision ordering the removal of the waste within a period not exceeding 15 days. If the responsible party fails to comply, the City can arrange for removal at its own expense and then seek reimbursement of incurred costs from the responsible individual. In cases where the offender cannot be identified, the City will bear the removal costs.
The draft also prescribes fines for violations. A legal entity required to remove illegally dumped waste would face a fine of 1,320 euros, while the responsible person within that legal entity would pay 260 euros. Craftsmen and those engaged in other independent activities could be fined 660 euros, and individuals 260 euros.
The City of Opatija notes that the new ordinance should not increase the burden on the city budget, as monitoring is funded through regular activities, and collected fines could generate additional revenue. Whether the proposed measures will be implemented in their current form will be known after the public consultation and the final decision by the City Council.
