We have launched an internal investigation into a suspected case of sabotage at a waste treatment facility under our management. A hole was discovered in a wall made of reinforced concrete, located in a tunnel where improperly disposed waste is stored. One of the leading hypotheses is that the damage was caused by a deliberate explosion.
“During one of the inspections, we found a large section of concrete torn from the wall. The structure is made of specially reinforced concrete, so we ruled out the possibility of a fire caused by lithium batteries – the facility was not operating at the time, and the waste had not been exposed to any such factors. No incendiary materials were found during the investigation either. We are pleased that our concerns were taken seriously and that a dedicated team of prosecutors and investigators has been appointed,” said Algirdas Blazgys, CEO of our company.
According to Blazgys, the nature of the damage and the available evidence suggest that the fire was the result of a deliberate act. Unfortunately, it is not particularly difficult to conceal an explosive device within waste material.
At the facility, all batteries are manually removed from the sorting lines before the automated sorting process begins.
We adhere strictly to fire safety and environmental regulations and maintain active cooperation with fire and emergency services. The most recent inspection of the facility was carried out on 10 March this year, with no violations recorded.
In response to a series of recent fires at waste management and recycling facilities, an inter-institutional investigation team has been established to determine their causes.
“We have cordoned off the suspected explosion site to prevent any further damage, as investigators will be arriving shortly to collect samples necessary for their ongoing enquiry,” added Blazgys.
We are expecting prompt and transparent answers – both for ourselves and for the public.
As a reminder, the fire at the waste sorting facility we operate broke out on the morning of 27 April in a tunnel containing improperly discarded waste. The fire primarily affected two sections of the plant, as well as part of the area where mixed municipal waste is delivered and unloaded prior to sorting. Two other sections, located in the eastern part of the facility, remain unaffected – and our priority is to resume waste management operations in these areas as soon as possible.