Man filmed dumping garbage into the Radika River
Footage recorded by citizens and posted by SRD Trofta shows waste thrown into one of North Macedonia’s cleanest rivers; penalties under national law are outlined.
A video circulated online shows a man discarding garbage directly into the Radika River, a watercourse widely regarded as one of North Macedonia's most pristine. The footage was recorded by local residents and later published on the SRD Trofta page, which condemned the action as disrespectful to nature.
Reactions and legal penalties
In a post accompanying the video SRD Trofta warned against treating river pollution as a minor matter. "Throwing garbage into the river is not 'nothing serious' — it is a shame and a disrespect to nature, to the fish and to our future. Radika is not a place for garbage! Let's protect what nature has given us," the group wrote.
Under North Macedonian law, dumping waste into a river or any other water body carries financial penalties. Fines for individuals start at €150, while penalties for legal entities (companies) can be far higher and may reach up to €20,000 in denar equivalent, depending on the type and quantity of waste involved.
These offenses are regulated by the Law on Waste Management and the Law on Waters, which aim to prevent environmental contamination and protect aquatic ecosystems. Environmental groups and local users say enforcement remains a central challenge in keeping rivers clean.
The Radika River is often highlighted for its clear waters and natural landscapes. Incidents like the one captured on video have prompted calls from civic groups for stricter surveillance of popular river stretches and for greater public awareness about the ecological impact of littering.
Authorities have not publicly announced any identification or sanctioning connected to the specific incident shown in the video.
Photo: press material from the event
