Cvetković, V. M., Renner, R., Nikolić, N., & Raupenstrauch, H. (2025, May 27–31). Enhancing resilience and addressing vulnerability through risk communication in waste management: Tackling landfill fires and disaster risks in Serbia. In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Industrial and Hazardous Waste Management (CRETE 2025). Chania, Greece.
Enhancing Resilience and Addressing Vulnerability through Risk Communica- tion in Waste Management: Tackling Landfill Fires and Disaster Risks in Serbia
Vladimir M. Cvetković1,2,3*, Renate Renner1, Neda Nikolić4, Harald Rau- penstrauch1
1 Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engi- neering, Montanuniversität of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria; vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at (V.M.C.); renate.renner@unileoben.ac.at (R.R.); harald.raupenstrauch@unileoben.ac.at (H.R.);
2 Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security
Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia;
3 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121,
11040 Belgrade, Serbia;
4 Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 32102, Cačak, Serbia; neda.ni- kolic@ftn.kg.ac.rs.
* Correspondence: vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs
Key words: resilience, vulnerability, risk communication, waste management, disaster risk reduction.
Extended abstract: Waste management in Serbia is characterized by numerous challenges, risks, and threats to both public safety and the environment. Preli- minary analyses have identified a range of issues that are directly or indirectly related to the following: a) non-selective waste separation; b) inadequate facili- ties for safe waste disposal; c) numerous and prolonged landfill fires that rele- ase toxic substances (dioxins, furans, etc.); d) lack of sanitary landfills; e) impro- per treatment of industrial waste; f) landslides and contamination of gro- undwater; g) insufficient oversight and control; h) low levels of environmental awareness and citizen engagement; i) lack of recycling infrastructure; j) ina- dequate funding and investment in waste management; k) illegal waste dispo- sal and the prevalence of unauthorized landfills; l) poor energy utilization of
waste; m) insufficient integration of circular economy principles; n) issues rela- ted to medical waste management; o) lack of data transparency in waste mana- gement; and p) non-compliance with EU directives and delays in the adoption of waste management strategies.
Given these challenges, the scientific and societal justification for this re- search is immense, as there is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms in waste management systems, infrastructure, and oversight. The scope of this research is underscored by the existence of over 3,500 illegal dumpsites, the generation of more than 8.2 million tons of industrial waste annually, of which approximately 7.9 million tons is non-hazardous. However, only 19% of this waste is properly recycled, while on the other hand, only 5% of municipal waste is recycled.
According to data from the Republic Statistical Office, a total of 174.7 mil- lion tons of waste was generated in 2022 alone, with the mining sector being the largest contributor, whereas municipal waste represents a smaller portion of the total waste volume. Annually, approximately 2.4 million tons of munici- pal waste is collected across Serbia, yet one-third of the population is not cove- red by an organized waste collection system, suggesting that the actual volume of municipal waste is likely even higher. In terms of waste treatment, data from 2019 indicate that 96.4% of collected waste was simply disposed of without any treatment. While Serbia’s regulatory framework includes waste management laws aligned with EU standards, their implementation remains inadequate.
One of the largest landfills in Serbia, Vinča, has caught fire multiple times, with major incidents occurring in 2017, 2019, and 2020. The most severe fire happened in 2017, when approximately 20 hectares of landfill burned, relea- sing thick smoke that spread across large parts of Belgrade. Similarly, in 2024, the Duboko landfill near Užice burned for nearly three weeks, causing severe air contamination. In April 2024, a fire at a landfill in Temerin released toxic substances into the atmosphere, further highlighting the risks associated with inadequate waste management. These incidents have demonstrated the urgent need for research to determine how enhanced risk communication can contri- bute to increasing the resilience of local communities and reducing their vul- nerability to future waste-related disasters.
Residents living near landfills are frequently exposed to various forms of soil and water contamination, which contributes to an increase in respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Furthermore, citizens do not receive timely and adequate information about potential risks and ha- zards, indicating a lack of transparency in communication between institutions and the public. Persistent unpleasant odors, environmental degradation, and
uncertainty contribute to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness among affected communities. Moreover, they do not receive timely recommendations, guidelines, or instructions on how to protect themselves or respond in such situations. In practice, there is also a discrepancy between the official data rele- ased by government institutions and the actual situation on the ground, lea- ding to speculation and the spread of misinformation. Ultimately, the demands of local communities for improvements are ignored, public discussions are lac- king, property values near landfills decline, agricultural income is lost, and he- althcare costs for the local population continue to rise. Based on the identified problems, high levels of vulnerability, and low resilience of local communities, a quantitative study was conducted across nine local communities in Serbia: Čačak, Užice, Požega, Lučani, Kosjerić, Čajetina, Bajina Bašta, Ivanjica, and A- rilje.
The research was carried out using multi-stage random sampling within these communities. To facilitate the study, a survey questionnaire was develo- ped to assess citizens’ perceptions of environmental issues and waste manage- ment practices. Prior to the main research, a pilot study was conducted to ensure the validity of the measurement scales. The questionnaire covers vari- ous aspects of the problem, including demographic and socio-economic cha- racteristics of respondents, their environmental awareness, level of concern a- bout potential risks, and trust in institutions and their communication with the public. Specifically, it collects demographic information such as gender, age group, education level, and place of residence.
Additionally, it evaluates citizens’ concerns about the environmental impact of landfills on air, soil, and water quality, as well as the long-term health con- sequences associated with poor waste management. A key focus of the study was the sense of control over the situation—whether citizens believe they can contribute to solving waste management problems and whether they feel they have the ability to influence decisions made by relevant institutions. The study also examined trust in local and national authorities, environmental inspectors, and scientific institutions regarding waste management and landfill-related issues. Another critical aspect analyzed was the transparency of institutions— whether citizens consider environmental risk information to be accessible and reliable and how satisfied they are with media coverage of these issues. The lack of information and transparency was identified as a significant factor affecting public trust and willingness to engage in problem-solving initiatives. Furthermore, the study explored the extent to which citizens support environ- mental organizations and civic initiatives that address waste management
issues. Finally, it assessed citizens’ willingness to support waste reduction ini- tiatives and efforts to improve environmental conditions in their communities. The research findings indicate that respondents exhibit a high level of con- cern about environmental problems, particularly in relation to air, soil, and wa- ter pollution resulting from inadequate waste management. The majority of participants perceive landfills as a long-term risk to public health and the envi- ronment, while also expressing a strong sense of powerlessness in addressing these issues. The study revealed that citizens generally feel they lack control over environmental decision-making and have little confidence in their ability to influence institutional actions. The implications of this research are signifi- cant for waste management policies, environmental regulations, risk commu- nication strategies, and citizen participation in decision-making. The results highlight the urgent need for more transparent governance, improved commu- nication between institutions and the public, and the development of policies that empower communities to take an active role in environmental protection
and sustainable waste management.
