Mini-landfills remain a persistent issue for both local services and residents in the Šušanj settlement of Bar, with at least six sites still affected this summer. Frustration among citizens is growing, aimed not only at the authorities but also at inconsiderate neighbors.

Residents of Šušanjska Street expressed to “Vijesti” that this waste problem is their neighborhood’s most pressing concern. They attribute it to the irresponsible actions of some neighbors and tourists who illegally dump waste at various locations daily, compounded by the Municipal Services’ failure to provide a container in their area.

They claim that authorities have said they cannot place a container due to a lack of municipal or state land. This reasoning is unacceptable to them, as they see ample space for waste disposal every day.

The issue is especially severe at intersections, particularly at the junction near the water pump leading to the Green Belt, where waste continues to be discarded improperly, despite warnings and a protective fence.

The actions of some Šušanj residents in using inappropriate disposal areas have led to frequent disputes among neighbors. At the entrances to several side streets, large numbers of trash bags can be found daily, alongside bulky waste, natural debris, construction materials, and rubble. Recently, pruned tree branches left on Šušanjska Street ignited, necessitating a response from firefighters.

“It’s hard to comprehend why someone would litter at the corner of their own street. Sometimes the street gets so blocked that we can’t exit in our car, forcing us to step out and deal with it ourselves,” recounted a local resident.

He acknowledged that heated exchanges often arise, recalling instances where residents transported trash bags to the main street to highlight the issue, but unfortunately, it had little effect.

Due to recurrent verbal confrontations and the ongoing inability to resolve the matter, several inhabitants of Šušanj reported the situation to the Municipal Police multiple times. They remain unaware of the outcomes, only noting that the issue persists.

They have requested the Bar Municipal Police to install surveillance cameras, asserting that if this does not occur, they are prepared to establish neighborhood watch groups to either prevent or gather information on individuals unlawfully disposing of waste, so appropriate penalties can be applied.

“This is our last resort. I cannot see any other option. It’s shocking that in 2025, we are still battling polluters and having to plead with authorities for a simple waste container,” said a Šušanj resident, who has reached out to the Municipal Services and Police multiple times.

She pointed out that this problem also threatens their livelihoods as many are in the hospitality and rental business, often facing criticism from guests who pay a fair price for accommodations yet must navigate unpleasant sights daily.

The nearest waste container is located in the parking lot between the “Forest” and “Amfora” restaurants, just meters from the shore but several kilometers away from certain homes in Šušanj. The second container is placed in the Ilino settlement near the Šušanj train station, relatively close to that part of the area, but still a few kilometers from residents living above and below the first railway crossing.

Containers located near the Babović buildings, close to the roundabout at the upper bridge over the Željeznica River, are more accessible to the city center than to a significant portion of the Šušanj neighborhood.

Google Maps data confirms this—traveling from the luxurious “Berg Apartments,” the last known Google Maps point, to the nearest container takes about 15 minutes by car, 35 minutes on foot, or nearly five kilometers.

The actual end point of Šušanj lies well beyond, as there are several hundred additional residences above the “Berg Apartments,” extending all the way to the Carevići settlement.

While citizens of Bar residing in this municipality estimate that several hundred locals and even more tourists are involved in these illegal dumping activities, the Municipal Police reports only six misdemeanor fines were issued due to this issue.

The Municipal Police and the Inspection Service of the Municipality of Bar have received six notifications from Municipal Services regarding waste disposal outside designated areas in Šušanj.

“Each report has been addressed, and the violators received punishment through misdemeanor orders in accordance with communal regulations. Furthermore, this Service conducts daily inspections of improperly disposed waste and implements necessary measures to curb these violations,” they informed “Vijesti”.

They emphasized ongoing communication with Municipal Services, ensuring waste is collected daily from the containers, alongside a “door-to-door” collection system initiated in previous years.

“We ensure a regular and effective method for waste disposal, yet challenges due to the irresponsible behavior of some individuals and tourists persist,” the Bar Municipal Police concluded.

In response to the issues, the local utility provider in Bar, Communal Services, has implemented a “door-to-door” waste collection system, which includes purchasing bins and finalizing contracts between residents and service companies for regular emptying.

News