The city of Pärnu is voicing opposition to proposed amendments to the waste law by the Estonian parliament's environmental committee. These amendments would restrict municipalities from procuring waste management services through direct contracts with their own enterprises, which is currently permitted. This change is intended to promote competition and improve service quality in waste management.

The city government of Pärnu, which currently utilizes this direct contracting option for waste management, argues that the proposed law would undermine local governance and deprive municipalities of their ability to select service providers based on their unique needs. They believe that such changes could lead to increased costs and reduced service efficiency, ultimately impacting residents negatively.

Pärnu's stance reflects a broader concern among municipalities regarding legislative measures that could limit their operational autonomy. If passed, the amendments could set a precedent for how municipalities across Estonia manage waste, with implications for local governance, competition, and service quality throughout the country.