Ostrava, a city in the Czech Republic, has revealed plans to increase waste disposal and processing fees for residents, marking the first adjustment since 2005. Starting January 1, 2024, residents will see an uptick in fees, with the new rate set at 720 korunas, up from the current 498 korunas. Notably, this fee adjustment will not impact seniors and children, who will continue paying the existing rate.

Originally slated for implementation this year, the fee increase was deferred to 2024 by the city administration, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the challenges posed by high inflation, escalating energy costs, and increased prices for essential goods.

The waste fee ordinance, approved two years ago, is set to come into effect in 2024. Despite the increase, Ostrava maintains a relatively lower waste fee compared to other cities. The municipality provides a subsidy of approximately 500 korunas per resident annually towards waste disposal costs. Deputy Mayor of Ostrava, Lucie Baránková Vilamová (ANO), clarified that certain groups, including children up to six years and seniors aged 65 and above, will continue paying the current rate of 498 korunas.

Ostrava has witnessed a rise in costs year-on-year, partly attributed to the introduction of a new sorting line. The automated sorting line for mixed municipal waste, inaugurated this year by Ostrava waste company OZO Ostrava, represents the first of its kind in the Czech Republic. The 280-million-koruna investment aims to divert recoverable waste from landfills in anticipation of the planned prohibition on landfilling mixed municipal waste, scheduled to take effect in 2030. The city’s commitment to waste management infrastructure upgrades reflects its proactive stance towards sustainable waste disposal practices.

Article by Prague Forum