The notorious hazardous waste landfill in Košice, Slovakia, which was supposed to close in 2016, has continued to operate illegally, raising alarm among local residents. Designated as the worst landfill in Slovakia by the Institute of Environmental Policy, the site has faced opposition from both the environmental inspection agency and the municipality since it lost its operational permit three years after its expected closure. Despite these efforts, it remains active, posing significant risks to the community, who are concerned about the health effects of living nearby.

Residents living in close proximity to the landfill report fear and anxiety about their wellbeing, as the site emits unpleasant smells and is reportedly a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Many locals, like Anna Kolibárová, express frustration and a sense of neglect by authorities, emphasizing that their lives have been severely impacted by the landfill's presence. These residents are wary of consuming homegrown produce, fearing contamination from the polluted environment, illustrating the dire situation they are in as they cope with the ramifications of environmental mismanagement.

The continued illegal operation of the landfill highlights ongoing challenges in environmental governance in Slovakia, raising questions about regulatory compliance and the safeguarding of community health. As such conditions persist, the situation represents a broader issue of environmental justice, with marginalized communities often suffering in silence and without adequate recourse. This case underscores the necessity for effective governance and public advocacy to address the systemic failings that allow these hazardous situations to endure, putting citizen health at risk for extended periods.