Skopje, 16 September 2025 (MIA) -- The state's environmental authorities have issued a recommendation for local governments to map all illegal dumping sites and draft plans on their removal.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in a press release, municipalities are expected to take steps to improve their waste management practices to protect the environment.

Environmental authorities recommended local teams be formed and sent to the illegal dumping sites to obtain geolocation information.

They also recommended cooperation be established with inspectors for them to find out where to place responsibility.

A report on the illegal landfills should also be written and submitted to the Ministry of Environment within 60 days.

In addition, public awareness campaigns on correct waste management should be created, the release said.

The Ministry of Environment has also issued a recommendation for the State Environmental Inspectorate to conduct unnanounced inspections of all landfills and dumping sites nationwide.

State environmental inspectors should check if the landfills operate under permits and in line with environmental standards. The inspectors should also sanction any violators.

These steps should be taken to meet legal requirements, prevent pollution and protect public health, the environmental authorities said. mr/