The city of Pärnu, Estonia, is expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to waste management law suggested by the Environmental Committee of the Riigikogu, which would restrict municipalities from directly contracting waste management services from their own companies. Currently, Pärnu's waste management center is wholly owned by the municipality, allowing it to maintain direct agreements for waste collection services within the city. However, the new legislation would prohibit such internal contracts starting in 2031.

The chairperson of the Environmental Committee, Yoko Alender, stated that the intention behind banning internal contracts is to ensure fair competition among all waste management companies, including those owned by municipalities. This move would presumably enhance transparency and accountability in pricing and service quality through competitive bidding processes. Pärnu is among several municipalities that currently utilize internal contracts for waste collection, a practice that would be significantly altered under the new proposed law.

Pärnu's city secretary, Taavi K., has articulated concerns regarding the implications of this legislative change, highlighting that direct agreements with municipality-owned companies benefit local governance. The potential disruption of this practice could affect the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management services in Pärnu, raising questions about how well the new competitive framework would replace the existing system and serve the community's needs.