Kisela Voda: Garbage thrown from bridge into Lepenec reignites debate over fines

An episode of the programme "Crvena linija" (s.7. e.6), broadcast on September 21, 2026 at 16:15, brought renewed attention to repeated incidents of waste being dumped across Skopje — most recently in the Kisela Voda neighbourhood where garbage was thrown from a bridge into the Lepenec river.

Residents and municipal workers describe a pattern of behaviour that ranges from leaving trash beside overflowing containers and creating informal dumps to the more reckless act of tossing refuse from bridges directly into waterways.

Local officials have announced a policy of “zero tolerance” and said inspections will be stepped up, while cameras and fines are being discussed as tools to deter offenders. The show asked whether higher penalties and enforcement will actually change citizens’ habits or whether the problem runs deeper.

Why fines may not be enough

Advocates and experts who spoke on the programme argued that enforcement is only one part of the solution. They pointed to gaps in waste collection capacity, unclear public information about legal disposal options and long‑standing habits that normalise irresponsible behaviour.

Some participants framed the debate more broadly: North Macedonia — state or landfill? That question underlined a concern that structural shortcomings, not just individual violations, are responsible for recurring illegal dumping.

POLL: Besides fines, would public disclosure of offenders' identities help create a cleaner environment? Yes/No

Photo: press material from the event