Sochi residents complained about problems with garbage disposal.

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In Sochi, on the eve of International Women's Day, garbage dumps are overflowing with trash, illegal dumps are growing, and bulky waste is not being collected. Sochi residents are confident that the announced increase in garbage collection fees will not improve the situation.

As reported by Kavkazsky Uzel, Sochi residents regularly complain about problems with garbage collection. In August 2025, Sochi residents complained about piles of garbage piling up near their homes and not being removed for weeks. The regional solid waste management operator, commenting on the situation, cited a lack of container sites, careless residents, and an influx of vacationers. In January of this year, residents complained that garbage on many streets had not been collected since December, leading to the formation of illegal dumps.

On the eve of International Women's Day, Sochi residents complained of further problems with garbage removal. According to them, container sites are overflowing, illegal dumps are growing, and the promised "garbage reform" announced by federal authorities in June 2025 and supported by regional officials in December 2025 has failed to deliver the expected cleanliness.

According to Order No. 29/2025 TKO dated December 19, 2025, of the Department of State Tariff Regulation of Krasnodar Krai, the waste collection rate in Sochi will be 1,008 rubles starting in October 2026—almost double the original rate. Officials promise separate waste collection and clean streets.

Sochi residents interviewed by a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reported problems with waste collection, especially bulky waste. The survey is not representative and reflects only the personal opinions of city residents.

"Everyone who feels like it dumps trash past the bins continues to do so, and it all happens at night," said Zhanna Validze from Tsvetnoy Boulevard. She is referring to bulky waste that the waste management company is in no hurry to remove.

"According to the authorities, a person must call a special vehicle that is registered, and the driver supposedly knows where to take bulky waste from the place where it is in the way. This service is paid for separately. It's probably not cheap," said Vera Markaryan from Gagarin Street.

She said that after a written request to the mayor's office, she was told: "You need to contact any specialized organization: OOO Profiservis or Chisty Gorod." "They bring a bin, you throw your trash in there, and they take it away—it's a fee. They didn't specify the cost. I've heard complaints that these organizations take trash to the national park because it takes too long to transport it to the regional landfills. So, the question is, what's the extra charge?" the woman complains.

"We used to go and collect trash—scrap metal, plastic, and paper... We'd turn in bottles at stores and get paid for it. But now what? Everything's in one pile!" - Svetlana Potapova from Tchaikovsky Street is surprised.

“The garbage situation is bad. But, as I understand it, this is true throughout Kuban. Honestly, I’m a bit shocked by the activities of all these companies. Theft, stupidity, destruction, garbage, landslides... and just pure Russian laziness,” says Elena Malyshenko from Makarenko Street.

Sergey Kozlov said that he had repeatedly contacted Komzhilresurs JSC and the administration, where they recommended that he install video cameras at his own expense or personally monitor violators dumping large-sized garbage.

Olga Orlova from Mamaika called the situation a “garbage dump” "sabotage"

The press service of the Sochi administration and JSC "Komzhilresurs" explained to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that residents themselves are to blame for not following the rules and not wanting to pay for the removal of bulky waste. "Since the beginning of 2026, 10 administrative cases have been filed for violating solid municipal waste management rules, and more than 550 reports in 2025," reported a city hall representative.

"Cleanliness is not where they sweep, but where they don't litter," stated a Komzhilresurs representative.

According to the city administration, 50 "boats" for bulky waste have been installed in Sochi, but construction and wood waste must be removed by specialized companies: OOO "Group of Companies Chisty Service", OOO "Eco-Service", and OOO "Profiservis". Residents noted that these companies charge a fee for their services.

Separate waste collection, for example by the company "Ecomobil," occurs rarely and has strict requirements: glass, PET bottles, canisters, and bottles marked 1/PET or 2/HDPE. Local residents complain that complex rules and the low availability of such initiatives do not solve the problem.

Local residents see a systemic problem in the current situation: rising tariffs without real improvements, a dysfunctional "garbage reform," and bureaucratic obstacles to the removal of bulky waste.