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Why some villages in southern Serbia are drowning in garbage

04:37

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June 11, 2026

Unsightly illegal garbage dumps are dotted around the countryside in Serbia's Presevo Valley. Meanwhile, residents of three Serbian-inhabited villages and local officials point the finger of blame at each other.

Illegal dumping sites can be found all over the countryside in Presevo Valley in southern Serbia.
Most people in Presevo Valley are ethnic Albanians. 

Residents of three villages that are inhabited by Serbs say that there are no garbage cans and no regular garbage collections in their villages. 

The authorities say that this is not the whole truth. 

DW investigated the matter and spoke to both residents and officials.
 

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