Rubbish-covered lake brings to light Balkans waste problem

A boat pushes rubbish stuck at the foot of a hydropower plant in Serbia. Picture: Darko Vojinovic/AP

Environmentalists have warned that rivers of waste threaten ecosystems, wildlife and the health of humans in parts of the Balkans.

In one area of Serbia, trucks and building machines could be seen parked on a river dam – but not for construction work. Instead, huge cranes are being used to clear tons of rubbish crammed at the foot of the power plant.