November 26th, 2025 - Dubrovnik Struggles with Massive Trash Influx Amid Adriatic Storm

This week, Dubrovnik, Croatia, found itself facing an unexpected problem when tons of garbage washed ashore due to a storm in the Adriatic Sea. The storm’s powerful southern currents deposited the trash, mostly originating from Albania, on two of the city’s key tourist destinations: Banje Beach and the Old Town.

City officials, including Marija Pajic Bacic, noted that the majority of the debris was identified through labels and materials found among the trash, which included plastics, metals, and even medical waste. Mayor Mato Frankovic assured the public that all available city resources, including sanitation and port workers, were mobilized to clean up the area. Cleanup crews began early each morning, working to clear the beaches and coastline as quickly as possible.

The cleanup operation is expected to take two to three days, with truckloads of trash being removed daily. While some recycling organizations have expressed interest in repurposing the plastic waste, it remains uncertain what can be salvaged from the debris. This situation is not entirely new for Dubrovnik, as the Adriatic Sea has regularly deposited large amounts of garbage along its shores in recent years, a problem exacerbated by the predictable currents of the closed sea.

Local tour guide Ivan Vukovic noted that the trash problem in Dubrovnik has been a recurring issue during the winter months, and the debris often includes more than just plastics. He mentioned that animals have also been washed up on nearby shores, a reminder of the broader environmental impact of waste in the region. Dubrovnik, a city of 42,000, hosts millions of tourists annually, adding to the challenge of managing plastic waste. In 2020, the city committed to reducing plastic waste, but the issue remains a significant concern.

The larger problem of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans continues to threaten marine life, with scientists warning of the devastating impact. Each year, millions of tons of plastic enter the seas, and less than 10 percent of global plastic waste is recycled. This ongoing environmental crisis makes cleaning up the Adriatic and addressing its sources an urgent priority for cities like Dubrovnik.

Mayor Frankovic emphasized that the solution to this problem lies in cross-border cooperation, especially with Albania, from where much of the waste originates. The Croatian foreign ministry has been in talks with Albania about managing the garbage issue, even offering financial support. He also suggested that satellite monitoring could help track and intercept waste while still in the open sea, providing a more proactive approach to combating this ongoing environmental challenge.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Unabashed (adj, un-uh-BASHT) - Someone who is unabashed is not embarrassed or ashamed about openly expressing strong feelings or opinions.

Example: Unabashed by their booing and hissing, the artist continued with the musical performance.

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