We are preparing to resume operations as early as this week in the section of the facility that was not affected by the fire, pending approval from the relevant authorities. Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately half of the buildings at our serviced facility remain undamaged. The unaffected area primarily handled biodegradable and household food waste, which accounts for roughly 40% of the waste processed at the site.
The remaining waste – around 60% – is planned to be managed at a temporary site within the facility’s grounds. A proposal to this effect has been submitted today to the Vilnius Regional Waste Management Centre, Vilnius City Municipality, other local municipalities, and relevant institutions. If approved, mobile equipment would be deployed for waste treatment, with operations at the temporary site expected to begin as early as May.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the firefighters, environmental officers, police, municipal and ministerial representatives, and all waste management professionals involved – their swift and coordinated response ensured the fire was brought under control quickly and has paved the way for a prompt resumption of operations. We can be justly proud of the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by Lithuania’s public services during this challenging time,” said Algirdas Blazgys, CEO of Energesman.
At present, specialists from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Environmental Protection Department are on-site conducting a detailed inspection to determine the cause of the fire and to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Initial findings suggest that two buildings and a section of the facility where mixed household waste is unloaded and sorted sustained the most damage. However, two buildings located in the eastern part of the site were not affected and will be the first to see activity restored.
“Our entire team is ready to resume work as soon as power supply is reinstated – we hope it will happen within the next few days. Over the next several weeks, we aim to scale up operations at the temporary site to near-full capacity, ensuring that residents of the Vilnius region experience no disruption in waste services,” added Blazgys.
Once the consequences of the fire have been fully addressed and the situation assessed by experts, we plan to begin reconstruction of the facility without delay.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning at the waste sorting facility. While investigations are ongoing, initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused either by arson or by hazardous waste – such as scooter batteries or household chemicals – being improperly disposed of in general waste. Such materials should never be placed in mixed waste containers and must instead be taken to designated e-waste or hazardous waste collection points.